Cradle of Christianity

Isle of Whithorn, Galloway.

1600 years ago this tiny community was in at the very beginning of Scotland's Christian history - when Ninian, Scotland's first missionary and saint, made landfall here - well over a century before the much celebrated St Columba's arrival from Ireland. The village is the location of this long ruined 13th century Saint Ninian's Chapel, previously a chapel linked to Whithorn Priory and a stopping off point for pilgrims landing on Isle Head and making their way to Whithorn. This building was probably erected to replace a 12th-early 13th century chapel, whose foundations were found during excavations and consisted of a nave, 17' 6" x 16' 6" with a square chancel.
The chapel stood within a contemporary enclosure wall, part of which is still standing.

Saint Ninian is chiefly remembered at Whithorn (13 miles to the north), however many places in Scotland are associated with his name, such as Saint Ninian's Isle in the River Garnock near Kilwinning. He converted the Southern Picts and therefore journeyed through many areas in southern Scotland.

In January 2000, 7 young local lives were lost when the scallop dredger "Solway Harvester" sank in heavy seas off the Isle of Man. This memorial seat names them