St Moluag's Cathedral, Lismore
St Moluag's Cathedral, Lismore, Medieval cathedral on Isle of Lismore, Scotland
Description
St Moluag's Cathedral on the Isle of Lismore is a medieval religious building whose remains include an aisle-less choir still used as a parish church today. The ground plan reveals foundations of the original nave and a west tower, along with surviving architectural details such as triple-arched stone seats.
History
The building was constructed around 1300 and became the seat of the Diocese of Argyll, replacing an earlier religious site established by Saint Moluag in the 6th century. This rebuilding marked a shift in how the island's spiritual life was organized within the broader church structure.
Culture
The churchyard holds medieval grave slabs that reveal how local people honored their dead across centuries. The building's triple-arched stone seats and doorways from different periods show how the space was used and adapted by successive generations.
Practical
The site is easily accessible for day visits and exploration of the churchyard, with the ruins and grave markers visible throughout the year. Regular services are held, which means some areas may have limited access at certain times.
Did you know?
The building houses stained glass windows designed by Mary Isobel Wood that depict saints from local and broader Celtic tradition in detailed artistic work. These windows represent a noteworthy connection between the island's spiritual heritage and thoughtful craftsmanship.
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