Ancient Antiquities and Mysteries

From end to end of the island there are many traces of dwellings and burial sites, most of which are difficult to find and harder still to interpret without a little help.

One of the best known antiquities in Gigha is the ruined Church of Kilchattan, 'Ecclesia Sancti Catani in Gigha' of the Register of the Privy Seal (1510). The church is a dedication to St Catan, an Irish missionary of the 6th century, who came over to Bute spreading the gospel throughout Kintyre and some of the Western Isles. The church is a typical example of 13th century design, a small rectangular building with a steep roof, the length about twice its breadth, and with lancet windows in all of the walls.

The north facing lancet wall has, in recent years, been restored with the original stones and there are stunning views over the island to the mainland of Scotland.

The octagonal font still remains, and can be seen in the recess below the eastern window. It is two feet in diameter and the basin is eight inches deep with a central drain.

Almost the entire floor of the church is covered with graveslabs. There are a total of 33 including fragments. A row of great slabs - monuments of Heads of the local House - lie across the church from side to side, immediately in front of the alter space. They have been more cared for than most and are therefore much better preserved.