Substantial medieval chapel walls, carved grave slabs and a long-lived burial ground occupy a low coastal site above Kilnaughton Bay.
Quick facts
- Date
- Possible twelfth-century east end and fifteenth-century rebuilding; earlier origins possible
- Architect / designer
- Medieval builders and stone-carvers unknown
- Type
- Scheduled medieval chapel, burial ground and carved stones
- Designation
- Scheduled monument (SM5266)
- OS grid reference
- NR 34434 45227
Architecture and continuing use
The simple rectangular chapel measures about 11.7 by 4.5 metres internally, with gables almost full height. Blocked doorways and windows, an aumbry, wallhead insets and sockets for a western loft survive; medieval slabs include an armoured effigy.
Its story
A dedication to St Nechtan suggests the possibility of an early Christian origin, though this remains archaeological potential rather than proof. Researchers propose a twelfth-century east end and fifteenth-century work elsewhere. Burial continued after the Reformation, and the protected area was enlarged in 2013.
Why it is included
It gives Port Ellen a much longer sacred history than the planned town and combines architecture, archaeology, sculpture and continuing remembrance.
What to notice
- Near-complete gables of the small rectangular chapel.
- Medieval grave slabs and the armoured effigy.
- The possible oval enclosure visible in the burial-ground topography.
Reading the surroundings
This is a cemetery and protected archaeological site. Use established paths, respect mourners and graves, keep away from unstable masonry and do not touch, rub or move carved stones.
Timeline
- Possibly twelfth century Researchers have proposed an early phase at the chapel’s east end.
- Fourteenth–fifteenth centuries Carved slabs and an armoured effigy were created.
- 19 March 1992 The chapel and burial ground were scheduled.
- 15 August 2013 The protected area was amended to include fuller archaeological remains.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
The saintly dedication indicates potential for pre-medieval remains but does not prove a seventh-century foundation. Modern lairs with continuing burial rights and later memorials are excluded as specified by HES.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Kilnaughton Chapel and Burial Ground, SM5266 — Current designation status, official mapped location, date, fabric and significance.
- Argyll and Bute Council: register of land and assets — Current official identification of Kilnaughton Old and New Cemeteries.
- Argyll and Bute Council: Historic Assets Topic Paper — Official wider heritage context for Port Ellen and south Islay.
- Trove search: Kilnaughton chapel carved stones burial ground — National collection search for site records, surveys and archive material.
Location
OS grid reference NR 34434 45227 · Location confidence: High for the current national designation point; public text separately states access, component-identity and current-use uncertainty. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
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