Lochbuie - Isle of Mull

 
 
 
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Lochbuie Isle of Mull

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These markers refer to locations on the Mull map Red is for attractions.  When you click on the red number, it takes you to the location on the Google map

Lochbuie  
 
The village of Lochbuie is situated at the head of Loch Buie on the south coast of the Isle of Mull some 14 miles from the ferry terminal at Craignure.  The area is renowned for its scenic landscape, shimmering beaches, abundant wildlife.  Lochbuie is a walkers paradise and there are many walks around the village, to the Stone Circle, Moy Castle, St. Kilda's Church, Laggan Sands, Iron Age Fort and the Mausoleum. For the more adventurous there is a beautiful shore walk to Carsaig.  Home of Clan MacLaine
view across the shingle to the Mausoleum  
   

 

 Moy Castle  
 
Moy Castle is one of the most significant fortifications on the West Coast of Scotland and home to Clan MacLaine.  Note the spelling of MacLaine.  MacLean spelt in this manner is from Duart Castle

Moy Castle stands on a low rock platform at the head of Loch Buie and was built in the 15th century by Hector MacLean, brother of Maclean of Duart and the founder of the re-named MacLaines of Lochbuie who made it their home.  

Moy Castle at Lochbuie

 
   

 

 Standing Stones  
 
The circle was originally nine granite stones, set in a ring about 12 metres in diameter, with the tallest stone being about two metres high. It is mainly composed of granite slabs which have been positioned with their flatter faces towards the inside of the circle. One of the original stones has been removed and replaced in recent times with a low boulder.

There are also three single stones set in the field at different distances from the circle. The nearest of these outlying stones is 5m away to the south-east, and is only 1m tall. The second outlier is a spectacular monolith 3m high and set about 40m away to the south-west. Also south-west of the circle, 107m away, is the third outlier, over 2 metres high. The stone is broken at the top and was probably taller when erected.

Lochbuie standing stone circle

 
   

 

 St Kildas Church  
 
A small Episcopal Church consecrated to St. Kilda.

The church is in the Diocese of Argyll and the Isles and was built by MacLaine of Lochbuie in 1876. Local rumour has it that originally it was to have been consecrated to St. Oran but this was changed to St. Kilda.  The origin of St. Kilda is not known for certain, some regard him as a mythical person. The name is only found in the island of St. Kilda and the ancient well in the island, Tobar Childer - Well of Kilda - indicates a Nordic saint, probably a hermit, the spelling of whose name should be St. Kildar. 

St Kildas Church in Lochbuie

 
   

 

 Caibeal Mheamhair -The Mausoleum for the MacLaines of Lochbuie  
 
The chapel stands close to the east shore of Lochbuie and 1.5km from Moy Castle.

It was converted into a Mausoleum for the MacLaines of Lochbuie in 1864 in memory of Donald MacLaine, 22nd of Lochbuie, when a thorough restoration took place. The roof is of the same period. A further renovation then took place in 1972.

Maclaine Mausoleum at Lochbuie

 
   

 

 Clan MacLaine of Lochbuie  
 
The Lochbuie branch of the family are descended from Hector, the brother of Lachlan, who founded the Duart branch of the MacLeans and the family used the MacLean spelling until about 1600. The brothers received their estates from John of Islay, 1st Lord of the Isles, in the fourteenth century. The lands of Lochbuie were later confirmed in a charter from James IV to John Og MacLaine.
 
   

 

 Iron Age Fort  
 
Loch Buie has always been a strategic area going back to Iron Age times.  The land looks out to the South West and is fertile and defendable.  The fort shown in the image lies at the far S.E. end of the bay, past the Mausoleum.  Only stones remain, but it is easy to see its original shape.  Beyond this point the land becomes more elevated and is an excellent place to observe both Sea and Golden Eagles.
Iron Age Fort in Lochbuie  
   

 

 Kinlochspelve Church