Snizort Cathedral, Medieval cathedral ruins on St Columba's Isle, Highland, Scotland
Snizort Cathedral consists of medieval ruins standing on a small island in the River Snizort near the head of Loch Snizort on the Isle of Skye. The cathedral remains are protected as part of a Scheduled Monument complex that includes St Columba's Church and other ecclesiastical buildings on Skeabost Island.
The cathedral was founded in 1079 under the authority of the Archbishop of Nidaros in Norway and became the Metropolitan Church of the Isles by the 14th century. This Norwegian connection shaped the early structure and religious importance of the site.
The site marks where older Pictish practices gave way to Christian worship, with records showing religious life continuing here until at least 1501. The ruins reflect how faith persisted for centuries on this isolated Scottish isle.
The site is accessible only on foot depending on weather and water conditions, as the island becomes isolated during poor conditions. Plan your visit around local weather patterns and check conditions before making the trip to this remote location.
Bishop Wimund, who served at this cathedral, later abandoned his religious duties and became a seafaring military leader after 1147 according to historical accounts. This surprising career change reveals how unpredictable life could be for church leaders during that era.
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