Garvellach Islands

Looking towards the Garvellach Islands, part of the Inner Hebrides in the Firth of Lorn, taken from just before Ellenabeich at lunchtime today.

Drove down for lunch but the Tigh an Truish at Seil was closed, Kilmore and Ellenbeich were closed, and down as far as Kilmartin which was also closed. The pub opposite the church, however, was open, cold but open and friendly.

The Garvellach Islands (Garbh Eileaich) – or the Islands of the Sea - Eileach an Naoimh (Isle of the Saints), Dùn Channuill and others – have interesting history involving (of course) St Columba and is supposed to be the burial place of his mother. There is an ancient and large monastic site, said to have been founded by St Brendan in the 6th century, a couple of beehive cells, and piles and piles of stones which someone described as Christian bric-a-brac. Now uninhabited, it’s hard to imagine anyone surviving on this string of islands, even with the discovery of a well. Landing is only recommended when the weather is settled, which it wasn’t today – I’d love to go.

A much better day, still wild and cold with wind chill, but sunny and dry until late afternoon.