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Saintly Connections To Rannoch
St. Blane was the first missionary to visit Rannoch. He established
his cell in the old Druids 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.
Peters 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. Conans 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. Michaels, the Camerons,
St. Lukes the Robertsons and Innerhadden and Lassintullich the
Stewarts.
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