Isle of Whithorn - Saint Ninian's Chapel, Isle of Whithorn

Saint Ninian's Chapel, Isle of Whithorn

The chapel was repaired and partly rebuilt in 1898 by the Marquess of Bute, its main features being preserved.

The present ruins are rectangular, measuring internally 31' x 16' 6".

This building was probably erected to replace a 12th-early 13th century chapel, whose foundations were found during excavations and consisted of a nave, 17' 6" x 16' 6" with a square chancel.

The chapel stood within a contemporary enclosure wall, part of which is still standing.

An outer enclosure may have once existed, best seen in oblique sunlight, defining a roughly oval area 100' x 110'. This outer enclosure may be of the Celtic period.

There are no records of the chapel's use as a burial ground.

Saint Ninian is chiefly remembered at Whithorn, however many places in Scotland are associated with his name, such as Saint Ninian's Isle in the River Garnock near Kilwinning. He converted the Southern Picts and therefore journeyed through many areas in southern Scotland.

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