The Saint Columba Pilgrim Way
Exile and Resurrection
Tarbert Loch Fyne and Kilberry are “hubs” points on the route followed by Saint Columba as he travelled from Ireland to Kintyre in 563. His journey continued along the West Coast of Scotland to Oban and Iona, where there was an existing Christian settlement. From there he carried the Christian message to Portmahomack in the North of Scotland.
Kintyre has been recognised as the cradle of Christianity in Scotland, and indeed of the Scottish race. The history of Kintyre is evidenced by the variety of its place names, derived from Gaelic, Scandinavian and English origins. The Christian influence is seen in the many names with the prefix “Kil” eg Kilcalmonel, and Kilberry.
Tarbert sits on the isthmus of Kintyre, an important crossroads for traffic between the Firth of Clyde and the Western Isles. Magnus Barefoot had his ships dragged across the narrow stretch of land to claim Kintyre as an island. Robert the Bruce at a later date also had his ships taken across on a “track of logs” to surprise his enemies. In 1324, Bruce repaired (rebuilt) an early castle which sits above the village. The accounts for this work are the oldest financial records existing in Scotland. In 1494 King James IV visited Tarbert and undertook an extension of the castle, building the Tower House at this time. Parliament was convened in Tarbert by James on 5th July that same year. Today the Castle acts as the starting point of the “Kintyre Way” for those who wish to walk along the length of the peninsula, with magnificent views of both East and West. From the Southern end one can see across the Irish Sea to Rathlin Island and Ireland, just as Columba would have done.
Kintyre has been recognised as the cradle of Christianity in Scotland, and indeed of the Scottish race. The history of Kintyre is evidenced by the variety of its place names, derived from Gaelic, Scandinavian and English origins. The Christian influence is seen in the many names with the prefix “Kil” eg Kilcalmonel, and Kilberry.
Tarbert sits on the isthmus of Kintyre, an important crossroads for traffic between the Firth of Clyde and the Western Isles. Magnus Barefoot had his ships dragged across the narrow stretch of land to claim Kintyre as an island. Robert the Bruce at a later date also had his ships taken across on a “track of logs” to surprise his enemies. In 1324, Bruce repaired (rebuilt) an early castle which sits above the village. The accounts for this work are the oldest financial records existing in Scotland. In 1494 King James IV visited Tarbert and undertook an extension of the castle, building the Tower House at this time. Parliament was convened in Tarbert by James on 5th July that same year. Today the Castle acts as the starting point of the “Kintyre Way” for those who wish to walk along the length of the peninsula, with magnificent views of both East and West. From the Southern end one can see across the Irish Sea to Rathlin Island and Ireland, just as Columba would have done.