Eilean Mor (MacCormaigh Islands)

This tiny and most Hebridean of anchorages is surrounded by Celtic antiquities. The island is now owned by a Trust (I think now the Scottish National Party for some reason) who have restored the small jetty (nicely) and built a small stone house with over large windows and turfed roof (not so nicely). Half way up the hill is the fairly well preserved ruin of St Cormac's Chapel which is a 13th century structure with later addition of the chancel vaulting in the 14th century, and even later a fireplace for some kind of domestic conversion. Eventually it was said to be used for an illicit still. Be all that as it may, it's a serene spot with the view of the Paps of Jura across the sound of Jura and in the south just a glimpse of Ireland from where the early Christian monks came. A recumbent and decaying monument is tucked into the south wall of the chancel perhaps listening to the seagull cries and sparrow chirpings for there is nothing much else than the birdsong to break the silence of this holy and ancient place. Except, in the early summer, if you stand and listen carefully you will hear the characteristic squeaky sound of the corncrake, one of our rarest birds. Just to the east of the chancel, about 100 metres, is a well which is presumably why this particular island was colonised in the first place. Now it's a useful place to get the salt out of your hair. On the east facing slope of the highest point you will find a rather dank cave which is difficult to get into and even more difficult to get out of. Take a rope and torch! But this is apparently where 8th century monks liked to meditate away from it all.