KILLEAN

Edited from  RCAHMS  Argyll Volume 3 

Killean, where a medieval church once stood, was associated with Iona Abbey in the 14th century, being on the pilgrim route as one of a string of churches leading to Iona.  

In the secluded ruins of this old parish church, a small chapel, is found within a burial ground containing several sculptured slabs, between Loch Don and Loch Spelve, some 250 m from the east shore of the latter near the west bank of a small stream . 

The chapel was dedicated to St John and its earliest record was in 1393 when a papal indulgence was granted in favour of those who visited it and made donations.  In 1561 the parsonage of 'Keillean in Toirrasa in Mulle' was listed among the former revenues of the abbot of Iona.   During the 17th century the name of 'Killean' was still applied to the parish although there were often vacancies and it is thought that the chapel became derelict during this period.

In the late 18th century the parish was served by a church at Craignure and by meeting-houses at Kinlochspelve and Salen, both of which were subsequently replaced by parliamentary churches.

Today most of the walls are turf-covered rubble only about 1.0m high, although a short length of wall-face is visible towards the west end of the south wall. 

Carved medieval grave slabs can be found within the chapel and is of the Iona School, 14th - 15th century.   The upper part of this slab has been re-used as a headstone. 

Another unusual fragment of a medieval carved window-head can be found in the grave-yard.  It is of sandstone and a small daylight-opening can be seen together with its glazing-groove.  The details on the window resemble those found on the canopy-work of certain West Highland tombstones of the early 16th century and so this fragment may belong to the same period.  Other post-reformation tomb stones can also be seen.   

Legend has it that there was always a bone lying on the wall of the graveyard.   Whenever anyone was buried there this bone was placed under the last sod.   However, somehow or other, this bone always reappeared on the wall in time for the next burial.

For further information see:  RCAHMS  Argyll Volume 3  (Her Majesty's Stationery Office Edinburgh 1980) ISBN 0 11 491591 1

Brown & Whittaker Walking in South Mull  (Brown & Whittaker 2005) ISBN 1 903252 06 1 and www.brown-whittaker.co.uk

Jean Whittaker The burial grounds of North Mull no. 2 (Brown & Whittaker) Ready in  2006

Walking tours to Killean www.mullmagic.com

		click on images to enlarge