Oronsay Priory Ruins

Argyll and Bute, United Kingdom

Oronsay Priory was a monastery of canons regular on the island of Oronsay. It was in existence by 1353, perhaps founded by John of Islay, Lord of the Isles. It was dedicated to St. Columba, and perhaps was a continuation or a re-activation of an older foundation. Very little is known about it because of the absence of records and its remoteness from the Scottish Lowlands, but on occasions some of the Priors of Oronsay come into the records.

The priory continued in operation until at least 1560, the year of the Scottish Reformation, with the last known prior, Robert Lamont, having been elected in 1555. The lands and property of the priory were given in commendam to Maol Choluim MacDubhthaich in 1561. They were later given to the Bishop of the Isles by King James VI of Scotland after his ascendancy to the throne in 1583. The ruins have been restored and are visible today.

References:

Wikipedia

Address

Oronsay, Argyll and Bute, United Kingdom

See all sites in Argyll and Bute

Details

Founded: 1353
Category: Religious sites in United Kingdom

More Information

en.wikipedia.org
www.britainexpress.com

Rating

4.9/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Simon Savidge (16 months ago)
Well worth the effort to get to. Unbelievable history to the place and a sense of quiet and tranquility.

Alison Fisher (19 months ago)
Fabulous Priory. The gravestones at amazing. Make sure you are fully aware of tide times and don't try to out-run the tide, you'll not succeed. The Strand beach is about a mile, then you have another mile once on the island! Make sure you are back ON Colonsay two hours after LOW tide to be safe. Long wellies are essential but bare foot is good. Water was very cold mid May.

Jane Colling (2 years ago)
Great mini Pilgrimage from Colonsay at low tide to Oronsay Priory

MARIE CLARE Brice (2 years ago)
Stunning. Beautifully restored ... just magical. Really worth the visit.

Pieter van Midden (2 years ago)
It is really a unique experience to walk to this desolate place (get information about the tides at the post office next to the shop on Colonsay!). Much of the buildings are still intact: a very special atmosphere.

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