Ardchattan Priory

The Priory was founded in 1230 by Duncan MacDougall, Lord of Argyll. The most widely believed origin of Clan Chattan is that Clan MacDougall appointed Gillichattan Mor as the Ballie or protector of the Priory lands on their behalf. In 1308, Robert the Bruce's campaign in the area included holding a council of local chiefs at the Priory, which is believed to have been the last Gaelic-speaking parliament in Scotland. From the early 14th century, the Prior of Ardchattan held the chantership of Lismore Cathedral. In April 1510 the Priory was incorporated as a cell of Beauly Priory and may have become Cistercian, but the evidence is slight. It was annexed to the bishopric of the Isles in 1615. The Priory passed into the hands of Clan Campbell in the 16th century who converted the south range of the conventual buildings into a private dwelling house, and the choir and transepts of the church were used for parochial worship. The monastic church fell into disuse, except for the purpose of burial, following the erection of a new parish church in 1731–2. The priory church was then quarried for stone and is now heavily ruined. ==Priory==

The priory church was cruciform in plan, with a small 13th century nave and transepts and a much larger 15th century choir. The remains are complicated by two 17th century burial enclosures which abut them. The stone screen separating the choir from the rest of the church survives, while a tomb chest and piscina survive further east. The nave has largely vanished, but had a narrow north aisle. The remains also shelter a number of carved stones. To the south of the church was a cloister fifteen by sixteen metres, now largely built over by the later house. The 15th century refectory is the only claustral building to survive, though it was subdivided in 1713. ==Gardens==

The monks would have had a garden for practical purposes, but the fine site, with views over Loch Etvie, Ben Cruachan and the hills of Mull, was recognised and developed with the house in the early 17th century, the date of some of the oldest trees on the estate. Most of the present garden was created in the 19th and 20th centuries. In addition, there is a walled kitchen garden. ==Yew Trees==

The priory's yew trees (Taxus baccata) were allegedly inspected by Robert the Bruce and cut to make at least some of the longbows used at the Battle of Bannockburn. ==Burials==

• Séon Carsuel ==Bibliography==