This pre-Reformation
Chapel is situated 2 miles from Salen on
the
road to Craignure. This ruined chapel
stands in the old burial ground which is still
used.
The chapel is almost 40ft long
and 17 ft wide.
There are two legends associated
with the building of the chapel.
It was never
finished because 3 lairds in succession
who were doing the roof died before roof could
be put on.
It couldn’t be built at all
because each day when the workmen returned
to their work, they found the previous
days building undone.
There is a very similar legend about St. Orans Chapel
on Iona. It is perhaps possible
that Pennygown
borrowed it? However, if there ever was
a roof it has now disappeared although
the walls are in a good state of
preservation.
There are three narrow windows with
carved heads and a door on the
north-west.
At the east end of the
interior stands
the shaft of an Iona Cross. The lower portion of shaft
carved is the usual island ship with raised
stem and stern, tall mast with long
cross-yard at head of mast. Upper part
of shaft has a foliated design with
leaves like clover. On the other side
is the Virgin and Child and spreading foliage.
The Burial ground has several
stones with effigies.
2 flat burial slabs great
interest composed of sandstone on which
are carved in high relief figs. Of
knight and lady. Knight has head on
pillow, right hand on pommel or sheathed
sword, left hand holds a dirk along his
left thigh. Helmet is only part of his
dress which shows character.
Lady simply dressed in
gown. Hands crossed wearing simple
headdress without ornament.
The Knight is Allan son of
Hector, a man of gigantic frame and
powerful strength. To him is ascribed
the saying: "If my brother were with me
I would face the devil himself"
