Ancient Crosses in Argyll, Scotland

Having been cut off for centuries from the rest of Scotland by the mountains and sea lochs that characterize the region, Argyll remains remote. Its scatter of offshore islands form part of the Inner Hebridean archipelago. Geographically as well as culturally, it is a transitional area between Highland and Lowland, boasting a rich variety of scenery, from the lush, subtropical gardens warmed by the Gulf Stream to the flat, treeless islands in the countryside. The interplay of land and water and the views out to the islands, are where the strengths and beauties of mainland Argyll lie.

Christian Symbol in stone, older than 1000AD. Images from the Pagan past co-exist with Christian symbolism on many early cross shafts. Writhing serpents, ancient gods, foliage, rosettes and sun spirals are all to be found alongside strange interpretations of the crucifixion. Leaning broken by a stile or standing proudly in a churchyard, hidden in a tangled hedgerow or high on a bleak moor, these crosses waymark the passage from Paganism to Christianity. Read More