Saintly Connections To Rannoch

St. Blane was the first missionary to visit Rannoch. He established his cell in the old Druid’s Grove of Lassintullich where the early inhabitants worshipped by the ancient standing stone. Here also was the sacred healing well which became known as St. Peter’s Well which had been commonly used in pagan times. His church was built on the place which has become known as Tom an t Seipel or Chapel Hill, and it was consecrated with sacred dust from lona. The present ruin occupies the site of the ancient chapel and the present building recalls the primitive architecture of the Celts with its small round headed window. The standing stone has been inscribed with a cross by the Christians in later years. St. Blane died in AD 590.

St. Chad who gave his name to Innerhadden was said to have found the people of this area in a sad state but he laboured in the fields with them and encouraged them so that it was said that he brought a new hope to one and all. The grave yard said to be the site of his cell is set in a most peaceful and beautiful grove overlooked by Schichallion. He had many other cells to visit but he came to Rannoch once a year.

St. Moluag had a reputation for long journeys and it is not surprising that he had frequent visits to this region. Both Dunalastair and Carie claim to have connections with him.

St. Conan consecrated the old church of St. Conan’s with the sacred dust from The Isle of lona. Killichonan burial ground is said to be the old churchyard. A St. Congan is also mentioned as having been buried here so there may be a confusion of names.

Other burial grounds in Rannoch have the names of Saints attached to them; St. Lukes at Dunalastair with its ancient spring called Argentine; St. Michaels of Camghouran and St. Maronaig of Carie being examples. Although some say that there would appear to be more saints than sinners in Rannoch at that time, there is no doubt that these men brought great benefit to the area.
In later days the graveyards became particular clan burial grounds. Killichonan contains the MacGregors, St. Michael’s, the Camerons, St. Lukes the Robertsons and Innerhadden and Lassintullich the Stewarts.

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