Eilean Chaluim Chille (Gaelic: island of Saint Columba, Calum Cille) is an unpopulated island in the Outer Hebrides.
Scottish Gaelic name | Calum Cille |
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Meaning of name | island of Saint Columba |
Location | |
OS grid reference | NB385215 |
Coordinates | 58.11°N 6.44°W / 58.11; -6.44 |
Physical geography | |
Island group | Lewis and Harris |
Area | 110 ha[1] |
Area rank | 144 [2] |
Highest elevation | Creag Mhor 43 m |
Administration | |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Country | Scotland |
Council area | Na h-Eileanan Siar |
Demographics | |
Population | 0 |
References | [3][4] |
It lies off the east coast of Lewis at the mouth of Loch Erisort. The island reaches a height of 43m (141 feet) in the northeast.[5] At low tide Eilean Chaluim Chille is connected by a causeway to the mainland of Lewis at Crobeag. There are two lochs in the centre of the island.[6]
At the southern end of the island lie the ruins of Teampall Chaluim Chille (St Columba's Church).[7] Local tradition has it as the site where Columban monks first arrived in Lewis. Another tradition is that it was built by a man named Columb Kill.[8]
It is cited in a report of 1549 as the main place of worship for the parish of Lochs. There was probably a church there from the medieval period. The cemetery was in use until 1878. Eilean Chaluim Chille is protected by Historic Environment Scotland as an scheduled monument.[9]
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