The ruins of the mediaeval monastery and college of Teampull na Trionaid at Carinish South Uist. SCO 6446
Image details
Contributor:
David Gowans / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
BPFXNAFile size:
60 MB (3.8 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
5620 x 3733 px | 47.6 x 31.6 cm | 18.7 x 12.4 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
23 June 2010Location:
Teampall na Trionaid, Cairinis, North Uist, Outer Hebrides, Western Isles, Highland. ScotlandMore information:
Teampall na Trionaid, uncertain early history but possibly built c.12 00 (on an earlier site) The plundered ruin of an important pre- Reformation church dedicated to the Holy Trinity, beautifully sited on an eminence overlooking the Oitir Mhor. Attributed by The Book of Clan Ranald to the Iona prioress, Beathag, daughter of Somerled, it was probably enlarged in the late 14 th century when Amy MacRuari, divorcee of John, Lord of the Isles, developed it into an important seat of learning. The square-cornered north wall is remarkably well preserved, despite the loss of carved stones and freestone dressings. Its rubble masonry courses are interspersed every foot or so by a distinctive thin layer of pinnings, with putlock holes evident in the western section. The Teampall was still used for public worship in 1728. Teampall Clann a' Phiocair, possibly 16th century. Of uncertain original use, but possibly a house, connected to the church by a vaulted passage. Post-Reformation use as a burial place for the notable MacVicar family of scholars explains its name. Semi-circular walled burial enclosure, probably 18th century. The walls of Teampull na Trionaid are 1.0m thick and stand to a height of c. 6.0m except at the SE angle where the east wall is reduced to c. 2.5m and the south wall to c. 0.7m. A modern wall has been built on to the south wall at the west end. The walls of Teampull Clann a' Phiocair are 0.8m thick. The south, east and west walls are 1.4m, 5.0m, and 3.0m high respectively: the north wall has been recently rebuilt to a height of 1.0m. The passage connecting the two buildings is now blocked with stone and barely visible. The burials within the buildings and in the graveyard are mainly modern. Several old head-stones were seen but no dates were discernible.