‘Hugely exciting’ finds on tiny Scottish island shed light on spread of Christianity

Community-funded archaeological excavations on the Scottish island of Lismore have uncovered significant findings related to a sixth-century monastery, shedding new light on the spread of Christianity in northern Britain. The island, which has a population of just 190, is known for its rich history, but until now, little evidence remained from this early period.

Lismore, located near Oban in Argyll, was home to a monastic settlement during the sixth century AD, a time when missionaries from Ireland were spreading Christianity. Despite the historical significance, only a few fragments of an early carved cross were previously found, leaving much of the island's early history unexplored.

Determined to uncover more, a group from the island's historical society sought funding through grants, donations, and a crowdfunding campaign. They hired professional archaeologist Dr. Clare Ellis of Argyll Archaeology to lead the excavation at the site of a later medieval cathedral. The findings have been described as “hugely exciting” and have rewritten the narrative of Lismore's historical importance.