The Last Look Back Cairn

The Last Look Back cairn is a poignant and historically significant landmark situated on a hill above Uisken Beach on the Ross of Mull. This cairn marks a traditional resting spot for funeral processions that would traverse the long, arduous journey to Kilvickeon Church. The name, “Last Look Back,” originates from the solemn tradition of the cortege pausing at this very spot to give the deceased a final view of their home.

According to local folklore, it was customary for each person in the funeral party to add a stone to the cairn as they rested, a practice that over time built the memorial. These journeys were often accompanied by a “dram” of whisky to toast the life of the deceased, making the cairn a place of both solemnity and celebration. It serves as a powerful testament to the arduous and deeply personal rituals of island life in generations past.

Visiting the Last Look Back cairn today offers a profound experience, blending history with spectacular natural beauty. From its elevated position, the cairn provides expansive views out over the sea to the islands of Colonsay, Jura, and Islay. The journey to the cairn from Uisken Beach allows visitors to connect with this piece of local history, offering a moment of quiet reflection while taking in one of the most remarkable vistas on the Ross of Mull.