Cille Choirill Church
A small 15th-century church on a hillside in Glen Spean, restored in 1932, where two famous Gaelic bards lie buried.
High on a hillside above Glen Spean, a short way east of Roy Bridge, the little stone church of Cille Choirill looks out over one of the loveliest views in Lochaber.
It is a holy place far older than the building: it is named for an Irish missionary who is said to have lived in a cell here around the year 600.
The church itself dates from the 15th century. Legend says it was built by Allan nan Creach, a chief of Clan Cameron, as penance for his many raids. It later fell into disrepair, until descendants of Lochaber emigrants in Nova Scotia paid for it to be restored, and it reopened in 1932. Occasional masses are still held.
Two great Gaelic bards lie in the churchyard among the old crosses, among them Iain Lom, the only Gaelic poet laureate. Scenes for Monarch of the Glen were filmed here too.
The churchyard is open at any hour; occasional masses are still held.
- Where
- Glen Spean, east of Roy Bridge.
- Built
- 15th century.
- Restored
- 1932.
On a hillside less than three miles east of Roy Bridge in Glen Spean, PH31 4AP.
Commando MemorialThree bronze commandos above Spean Bridge, looking out to Ben Nevis over the ground where they trained.7 miles12 min by road
Nevis Range Mountain ResortThe UK's only mountain gondola, rising to 650 metres on Aonach Mòr near Fort William, with walks, bike trails and cafés.11 miles18 min by road
Clan Cameron Museum12 miles22 min by road
Invergarry CastleA Jacobite ruin in the Great Glen.21 miles30 min by road
Caledonian CanalTelford's canal through the glen.30 miles44 min by road
Places to stay near the church, and when each is next free.
Scotland, in print.
Every photograph commissioned, every word written by somebody who went. Printed twice a year, made in Scotland.
For further reading, before you go.