St Oran’s Chapel

St Oran’s Chapel is the oldest surviving structure on the Isle of Iona, dating back to the late 12th century. Built by Somerled, founder of Clan Donald, the chapel is dedicated to St Oran, a companion of St Columba. It served as a dynastic burial site for the Lords of the Isles and is located within Reilig Òdhrain, a historic burial ground used since the 6th century. Though restored in the 20th century, the chapel is no longer used for regular worship but remains an important heritage site.

The chapel is a simple oblong building featuring a finely carved Norman arch entrance and a 15th-century mural tomb recess. Several medieval grave slabs lie inside, reflecting its historic significance. Restoration work was carried out in the mid-1800s and again in the 20th century to preserve the chapel’s structural integrity and historic character.

Surrounding the chapel, Reilig Òdhrain is one of Scotland’s most historically significant burial grounds, believed to be the resting place of early Scottish kings such as Kenneth MacAlpin, Malcolm I, and Macbeth. While exact burial details remain debated by historians, the site remains a place of great historical and cultural importance. The chapel is open to visitors year-round but is not active for worship.