1893 article about Hough stone circle, Kilkenneth and Hynish, Tiree

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Summary

ANTIQUITIES OF TIREE
The island of Tiree, situated 60 miles from Oban, and well out in the Atlantic, has evidently, from discoveries made in recent years, a very ancient history. But what that history is, is at present quite unknown. Indications of its antiquity are abundant; and from these there is reason to suppose that it was occupied by a primitive people before Iona became the residence of Columbus. Unfortunately, however, no record exists to afford us any clue as to what its early history really was, or in reality, were its first inhabitants. Ancient tombs, and more recently bronze and stone ornaments have. been found. These indicate an age prior to the Christian era. In the western part of the island, at a place called Kilkenneth, eight graves have been discovered , and in the vicinity of an old chapel, the ruins of which only exist. These graves are situated in a mound overlooking the sea, and no others have been found near them. The ravages of time have removed all traces of inscriptions, or of stones of any kind that might have marked the place. The sand and gravel have done their work, but the bones have been laid bare, and have been found scattered about. In the little chapel a considerable quantity of bones were found inside and outside the walls, and these were carefully gathered and covered up by the Marquis of Lorne a few years ago, when bis Lordship paid a visit to the island. This chapel bears traces of having a circular wall or fort all round it sign, but these traces are fast disappearing. A considerable extent of ground has been enclosed, and it is supposed that it was used as a place o! burial. Again a few miles distant is the hill of Kenavarra where in early times there was a famous well. This well is now dry, but several peculiar stone ornaments have been found there … In the Hynish township, some graves have recently been discovered, and curious stone ornaments found. As in the case of Kilkenneth, these indicate great antiquity, and, undoubtedly, further discoveries will be made. A peculiar feature of the island is its ancient forts. There are 22 of these situated along the shores. They are of very ancient origin. There is reason to suppose that they were erected by the Danes, who infested the island during the occupation of Iona by Columbus and after. In all probability these forts would be erected in 9th century, the period of the greatest activity of these warlike people. Their remarkable state of preservation at the present time is a proof of the substantial workmanship which must has have been employed in their construction : they are circular in form, of considerable height, and still so complete that the two we visited in the Vaul township may stand for another 1000 years. It is recorded that the Danes used to fortify tops of hills on their invasions, though they remained for but for a short time. They exactly correspond with these ancient forts. They are built uniformly on hills or eminences, and to this day, despite the ravages of time, manifest uncommon strength. The greatest discovery is believed to be a Druid circle on the farm of Hough, tenanted by Mr MacDiarmid. In company with Mr MacDiarmid we visited this place and found the circle situated in remote and solitary place, very perfect on the whole. It was a completely formed circle, 44 yards in diameter and 132 in circumference. Twelve great stones at equal distances formed the circle. The centre stone has been taken away but its place was clearly marked. These stones were mostly lying flat and would weigh about 3 tons each. A correspondent has measured three of them, and his measurements are as follows … The ground officer [John MacKinnon] tells me that the circle is well known by natives living in the neighbourhood and that has always been looked upon as a place of worship. He was both born and brought up on the next farm to Hough [Balevullin] and he remembers when the circle contained 13 stones, 1 in the centre and I2 in the circle, and that old people stated that this represented Christ and the twelve apostles. There is no doubt that the circle is ancient, and the people must have always with upon it with reverence when so few of the stones have been tampered with. … The Scottish antiquarian has not found his way to Tiree There is material awaiting him, probably more ancient than anything hitherto discovered in Scotland. … At a grave recently discovered in Hynish, several stone weapons were found, specially a small hammer and various miniature weapons. (Perthshire Advertiser, 10 July 1893, p. 2)


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