Finlaggan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Finlaggan (NR388680, Scottish Gaelic: Port an Eilein) is a historic site on the Eilean Mòr in Loch Finlaggan. Loch, island, and castle lie around 2 km to the north-west of Ballygrant on Islay.
Finlaggan was the seat of the Lords of the Isles and of Clan Donald. The site has been the subject of recent archaeological investigations and hosted an episode of Channel 4's documentary Time Team.
Two of the three islands that lie in the stunning scenery sorrounding loch Finlaggan,[1] Eilean Mor (large island) and Eilean na Comhairle (council isle), were the ancient administration centre of the Lordship of the Isles during mostly the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries.
Still today, the islands contain remains of the buildings from where the Lords ruled the Hebrides and part of the west coast of Scotland, immensely contributing to the arts, culture and politics of Scotland.
The stone walls of a medieval chapel dedicated to St. Findlugan on Eilean Mor have been stabilised and several 16th century graves put on display and covered by large glass panels.
The Finlaggan Trust maintains the site and also refurbished a derelict cottage that has been converted into a comprehensive museum.[2] The centre contains all kind of artefacts discovered during archaeological excavations: from a sheep wool quilted aketon or under armour, to an ancient cross related to the lords.
[edit] References
- ^ "A view from Finlaggan Loch video"
- ^ Scotland on TV Video interview with Donald Bell from Finlaggan Trust at the site's information centre