Cill an Ailean

“Cill an Ailean” translates to “the Chapel of the Beautiful Place,” suggesting its serene setting. While the current remains date to the medieval period, the “Cill” prefix in its name might suggest an even older, pre-800 AD origin, though this is not yet archaeologically proven. Historians believe the chapel was originally dedicated to the Irish St Fillan, who was revered for his miraculous healing powers.

The site comprises the outline of a chapel and at least four private burial enclosures, all contained within an irregular enclosure. The chapel itself is oblong, aligned east-west, with walls surviving up to 0.9m in height. Among the surviving tombstones, one of the oldest is a 2-meter long stone slab from the 14th or 15th century, lying flat inside the chapel ruins. The graveyard also contains legible inscriptions from the 18th century and later.

Cill an Ailean is a peaceful and historically significant site, offering a glimpse into Mull’s early Christian and medieval past. It is accessible via a walk through the Glen Aros forest, with trails managed by Forestry and Land Scotland, and provides a tranquil spot for reflection amidst ancient history.