Eilean Chaluim Chille
Island in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Eilean Chaluim Chille (Gaelic: island of Saint Columba, Calum Cille) is an unpopulated island in the Outer Hebrides.
| Scottish Gaelic name | Calum Cille |
|---|---|
| Meaning of name | island of Saint Columba |
| Location | |
  Eilean Chaluim Chille Eilean Chaluim Chille shown within the Outer Hebrides | |
| OS grid reference | NB385215 |
| Coordinates | 58.11°N 6.44°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Lewis and Harris |
| Area | 110 ha[1] |
| Area rank | 144 [2] |
| Highest elevation | Creag Mhor 43 m |
| Administration | |
| Council area | Na h-Eileanan Siar |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
 | |
| References | [3][4] |
It lies off the east coast of Lewis at the mouth of Loch Erisort. The island reaches a height of 43m (141 feet) in the northeast.[5] At low tide Eilean Chaluim Chille is connected by a causeway to the mainland of Lewis at Crobeag. There are two lochs in the centre of the island.[6]
History
At the southern end of the island lie the ruins of Teampall Chaluim Chille (St Columba's Church).[7] Local tradition has it as the site where Columban monks first arrived in Lewis. Another tradition is that it was built by a man named Columb Kill.[8]
It is cited in a report of 1549 as the main place of worship for the parish of Lochs. There was probably a church there from the medieval period. The cemetery was in use until 1878. Eilean Chaluim Chille is protected by Historic Environment Scotland as a scheduled monument.[9]
