Finlaggan Trust

The Finlaggan Trust is a voluntary organisation set up in 1984 to combat the deterioration of this valuable site, to assist its preservation and to encourage research relating to it.

Finlaggan was the home of the MacDonald chiefs for almost four hundred years, from the 12th to the 16th centuries. From Finlaggan, the Lords of the Isles ruled the Atlantic seaboard from Kintyre to Lewis, having wrested control from their Norse overlords, whose maritime skills they adopted and improved on. From Finlaggan they met the kings from Scotland, England and France on equal terms.

The earliest mention in written history of Finlaggan, refers to the re roofing of the chapel on Eilean Mor, by order of John, the first Lord of the Isles, in the 14th century. There are land charters in existence today, signed at Finlaggan by the Lords of the Isles, dated 1427 and 1456, living proof of the site's place in history.

Some relics of finlaggan's occupation remain. There are several carved grave slabs and stones including the warrior effigy. The stones have suffered at the hands of the elements and the Trust plans to have them placed under shelter.

From archaeological and historical evidence, it is known that the islands in Loch Finlaggan have been used by man for a very long time and crannogs have been discovered dating back to prehistoric times. Eilean na Comhairle (The Council Island) is linked to Eilean Mor by a stone causeway, was where the Lords of the Isles held meetings of the Council of the Isles. Recent excavations have shown that a stronghold had been built on it during the Iron Age.

Visitors are most welcome to visit the interpretative centre at the cottage near the site, during opening hours in spring, summer and autumn. The centre can also be opened on request at other times.

Contact

Mrs Linda McArthur

The Cottage
Ballygrant
Isle Of Islay
PA45 7QL
Scotland

Tel: +44 (1496) 810629
Fax: +44 (1496) 810556
E-Mail: lynmags@aol.com
WWW: http://www.finlaggan.com