Scheduled MonumentsScotlandSt Ciaran's Cave,Achinhoan Headland
Achinhoan headland

St Ciaran's Cave,Achinhoan Headland

Scotland
HES SM3716
Site type
Achinhoan headland
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

St Ciaran's Cave is a natural rock shelter located on the Achinhoan headland in Argyllshire, Scotland. The site has associations with early Christian settlement and veneration, reflecting the broader pattern of saint-linked sites in the Scottish Highlands and islands. The cave itself represents a typical example of a natural geological feature that was utilised and potentially modified for occupation or religious purposes during the early medieval period. Its exact chronology and the extent of any structural modifications remain subjects of archaeological interest, though the site's prominence in local tradition underscores its historical significance within the landscape of early Christian Scotland.

St Ciaran's Cave,Achinhoan Headland is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM3716. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is St Ciaran's Cave,Achinhoan Headland?

St Ciaran's Cave is a natural rock shelter located on the Achinhoan headland in Argyllshire, Scotland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM3716.

Who is responsible for protecting St Ciaran's Cave,Achinhoan Headland?

St Ciaran's Cave,Achinhoan Headland 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 SM3716.

What other scheduled monuments are near St Ciaran's Cave,Achinhoan Headland?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Balnabraid Glen,cairn 50m W of Corphin Bridge (1.5 km), Kildalloig, fort 800m WSW of (2.5 km), Low Glenramskill, dun 600m ENE of (2.9 km).

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