Eilean Chaluim Chille is an unpopulated island in the Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides

The Outer Hebrides also known as the Western Isles and the Long Island, is an island chain off the west coast of Scotland. The islands are geographically contiguous with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, one of the 32 unitary council areas of Scotland...

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It lies off the east coast of Lewis

Lewis

Lewis is the northern part of Lewis and Harris, the largest island of the Western Isles or Outer Hebrides of Scotland. The total area of Lewis is ....

 at the mouth of Loch Erisort

Loch Erisort

Loch Erisort is an 8-mile-long narrow sea inlet on the east coast of the island of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland.Its name is a relic of the Viking period and came from Old Norse Eiríksfjorðr = "Eric's fjord"....

. At low tide Eilean Chaluim Chille is connected by a causeway to the mainland of Lewis at Crobeag.

History

At the southern end of the island lie the ruins of St Columba's Church. This was once an important centre of religion, being cited in a report of 1549 as the main place of worship for the parish of Lochs. There was probably a church there from about 800 AD, built by St Columba's followers. St Columba died on Iona

Iona

Iona is a small island in the Inner Hebrides off the western coast of Scotland. It was a centre of Irish monasticism for four centuries and is today renowned for its tranquility and natural beauty. It is a popular tourist destination and a place for retreats...

in 597 AD. The cemetery was in use until 1878. Eilean Chaluim Chille is protected by Historic Scotland as an ancient monument.

Footnotes