Kildalton

The old parish church of Kildalton is of medieval origin and was under the patronage of the Bishops of the Isles. Its architectural appearance suggest that this church was built in the late 12th or early 13th century. During these days the Parish of Kildalton must have been densely populated.

The first origins go back to early Christianity in Scotland. Related to St Columba the site might have been an early place of Christian worship. Its Gaelic name Cill`Dalton means The Church of the Fosterling. Dalton is derived from the Irish word dalta meaning disciple (student). The interpretation might also be Church of St John, the Evangelist.

Today it is believed that Kildalton Church is a daugther church of Iona, where St Columba founded a monastery around 563.

This important link is substantiated by the Kildalton High Cross which has certain similarities with the crosses on Iona. The Islay cross is one of the finest early Christian crosses of Scotland and the U.K. It dates from the second half of the 8th century. Regarding its age the cross is in a very good condition. A visit is an absolute must.

For excellent information see  http://www.islayinfo.com

or Domhnall MacEacharna, The Old Parish Church Kildalton Islay (Port Charlotte, 1981), available at the Tourist Information Centre of Bowmore.

Reverend Archibald Robertson - Minister of Kildalton - described in his Statistical Account of Islay 1791-9 the everyday life and struggle of the Illeachs.

Andrew Jefford‘s detailed and excellent dipiction of Islay‘s history and social changes gives a most valuable insight to the life and strife of the Illeachs. See: Peat Smoke and Spirit. A Portrait of Islay and Its Whiskies. London, 2004.

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