Archaeology
Raasay: An Introduction to its Archaeological Monuments: By Martin Wildgoose ©
1100 years ago
Towards the end of the Iron Age Christianity replaces the Old religions and chapels are founded at strategic points throughout the islands. St. Moluag appears to have been the ‘Father’ of Christianity on Raasay perhaps founding a chapel or cell here in circa 569AD. (Sharpe, R.) Today the site of this cell is marked by the remains of St. Moluag’s Chapel – a 13th century stone building now roofless.
Around 1100 years ago the islands along the west coast of Scotland were engulfed by the tide of Scandinavian expansion and the rich farming lands of Raasay did not go unnoticed, indeed the name itself has a Scandinavian origin meaning Roe Island or Roe ridge island. Norse names abound, Oskaig, Halaig, Ramasaig, Fladday, Holoman, Suisinish and many more, throughout the island attesting to a heavy settlement in the years following the first incursions. Unfortunately not a single monument can be attributed with certainty to the Scandinavian occupation.
| Iron Age | 1100 years ago | Medieval Centuries |
