In 717AD three Christian missionaries arrived in Scotland from Ireland. They were the widowed St Kentigerna, the daughter of a King of Leinster, and her brother and her son. After much travelling the old woman settled on the island, which because of her became known as Inchcailloch - "Isle of the old woman". There she died, but her influence endured.
It is said that a nunnery was founded, and certainly in the 12th or early 13th century a church was built and dedicated to her memory.
In 1670 the church on Inchcailloch was abandoned in favour of one on the mainland, but the graveyard continued to be used into modern times, the last burial being in 1947. Situated on a commanding site about a quarter of a mile above the landing place Opposite Balmaha pier, the ancient foundations of the church may still be seen, and many gravestones from more recent times are still legible.
Inchcailloch was the ancient burying place of the Clan MacGregor, but the name most in evidence is MacFarlane.

Tradition holds that a nunnery was founded here in the 8th century by Saint Kentegerna, daughter of an Irish king, and mother of Saint Fillan. A church was built in the 13th century and was in use until 1770. The church fell to ruin and only the foundation outline is now visible. The burial ground was in use until 1947. Many ancestors of the McFarlane clan are buried here.
The island can be accessed by ferry or hire boat from Balmaha Boatyard.

In 717AD three Christian missionaries arrived in Scotland from Ireland. They were the widowed St Kentigerna, the daughter of a King of Leinster, and her brother and her son. After much travelling the old woman settled on the island, which because of her became known as Inchcailloch - "Isle of the old woman". There she died, but her influence endured.
It is said that a nunnery was founded, and certainly in the 12th or early 13th century a church was built and dedicated to her memory.
In 1670 the church on Inchcailloch was abandoned in favour of one on the mainland, but the graveyard continued to be used into modern times, the last burial being in 1947. Situated on a commanding site about a quarter of a mile above the landing place Opposite Balmaha pier, the ancient foundations of the church may still be seen, and many gravestones from more recent times are still legible.
Inchcailloch was the ancient burying place of the Clan MacGregor, but the name most in evidence is MacFarlane.

Tradition holds that a nunnery was founded here in the 8th century by Saint Kentegerna, daughter of an Irish king, and mother of Saint Fillan. A church was built in the 13th century and was in use until 1770. The church fell to ruin and only the foundation outline is now visible. The burial ground was in use until 1947. Many ancestors of the McFarlane clan are buried here.
The island can be accessed by ferry or hire boat from Balmaha Boatyard.