Eilean Mor

During the past five years of excavations on the island by a team of archaeologists led by Dr. David Caldwell of the National Museums of Scotland, much has been learned about the various buildings and the way of life of the people who used them. Evidence of fortifications, a great hall, extensive living quarters, a chapel and paved roads, proved the island had indeed been occupied by a rich and sophisticated people.

The defences surrounding Eilean Mor were never replaced in stone, but before it was possible to bring artillery to bear against such an island fortress, earth embankments with timber fortifications could be very effective.

The chapel was dedicated to St. Findlugan and situated on a limestone outcrop, the prime site on the island. In earlier days the island was smaller than today. Alluvial tails have built up at the northern end. Over the years the construction of buildings and roads caused further accumulation of ground.

During the first year of excavation a road was uncovered leading from the jetty on the west side of the island towards the chapel, and in succeeding years a network of roadways has been uncovered.

It is assumed that an early Christian monastery was established by the early Irish monks. Huts mainly of wood and thatch surrounded by a ditch were the established form of the early Irish monastic communities.

Limited excavation to date has shown that the Council Island is mostly artificial, an accummulation of ruined buildings from different eras.