Scheduled MonumentsScotlandKirk Holm,monastic settlement,Sand
Monastic settlement,sand

Kirk Holm,monastic settlement,Sand

Scotland
HES SM5629
Site type
Monastic settlement,sand
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Kirk Holm is a monastic settlement located on the island of Unst in Shetland, Scotland. The site consists of the remains of an early Christian monastery positioned on a small promontory, reflecting the characteristic settlement patterns of medieval monastic communities in northern Scotland. Archaeological and historical evidence suggests the settlement dates to the early medieval period, when such religious communities played a vital role in the spiritual and cultural life of the Northern Isles. The site's location on exposed coastal terrain demonstrates the commitment of these monastic communities to establishing themselves in remote, often inhospitable locations across Shetland's archipelago.

Kirk Holm,monastic settlement,Sand is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM5629. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Kirk Holm,monastic settlement,Sand?

Kirk Holm is a monastic settlement located on the island of Unst in Shetland, Scotland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM5629.

Who is responsible for protecting Kirk Holm,monastic settlement,Sand?

Kirk Holm,monastic settlement,Sand is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic Environment Scotland — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Scotland. The official designation reference is SM5629.

What other scheduled monuments are near Kirk Holm,monastic settlement,Sand?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Kirk Score, chambered cairn, settlement and field system, Russa Ness (3 km), Bekka Hill,chambered cairn 770m N of (3.3 km), Swart-Houll,chambered cairn 330m NE of (3.3 km).

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