INCH KENNETH CHURCH

( This article and images are produced by volunteer John Noddings of Seaview Fionnphort )

Inch Kenneth  and its church are situated at the western end  of Loch Na Keal close to the Mull shore on it’s south side.   The name derived from 'inch' or 'innis' an island and 'Cainneach',(St Cannoch,) the name of an old Irish saint, a friend of St Columba.    On the island there are ruins of a 13^th century church with its double lancet window on the east wall. The base of the alter can be seen along with funeral monuments and carved stones dating from mediaeval times. Most stones commemorate MacLeans but it is said that Kings of Scotland were buried here if storms prevented passage to Iona. The stones are carved with various intricate carvings of animals, plant scrolls, ring knots, galleys and swords, and are from the period 14^th, 15^th and 16^th century.

Beside the church within the graveyard grounds is a sandstone slab bearing a full length effigy of an armed man in high relief, his head rests on a cushion and his feet against a lion or hound. In his right hand he holds a round object, perhaps a cannonball, on his left arm a targe bearing a raised shield on which a coat of arms was once carved or painted. Suspended from the waist belt is a sword resembling that of a 16^th century claymore, while at his right hip is a dirk.

In the graveyard a ring-headed cross of slate designed as a Latin Cross, the shaft is bordered on each side by a chevron pattern. Towards the base of the shaft, there is a pair of shears and a single-sided comb. It possibly dates from 1500-1560.

A headstone commemorating Dame Mary MacPherson, Lady MacLean, who died aged 30. On the front is carved a heraldic achievement with a shield charged for MacPherson, a galley, sail furled, a sinister hand holding a dagger. The supporters are two men wearing plumed helmets and carrying targes. On the back of the slab is carved the armorial achievement of the MacLeans of Duart, the shield bearing quarterly, a lion rampant, a castle embattled, a galley and a salmon, a dexter hand cupped holding a cross. The supporters are two ostriches, and a skull and cross bones are incised at the base.

Also another large headstone commemorating Donald MacLean (3^rd) of Brolas who died in 1725. On the front of the stone an achievement similar to that on the tombstone of Lady MacLean, with the motto “ATERA MERCES” (another reward). On the reverse are carved in relief a skull, an hour-glass, and a trump from which proceed the words “ARISE YE DEAD”.