An outline history: Geology, peoples & religion.

Originally there was a great rock sheet across Ardnamurchan, then a period of volcanic activity, some 60 million years ago, broke and folded the surface extensively. 5 km below the Ardnamurchan volcano there was a great magma chamber feeding it's eruptions. An Ice age followed, 10 million years ago. It eroded the great mountains and volcanoes and when over and it's weight removed the land rose up. The Ardnamurchan Volcano had been worn away only leaving the walls of the magma chamber, 250 ' high by 1.5 miles across. Ardnamurchan Ring Dykes or "Ardnamurchan Volcano"

Who came before the Neolithic people I do not know but in more modem times Picts and Gaels and then in the 6th century Scottish / Irish colonisers from Ireland.
Originally the occupiers of Ardnamurchan did not own the land. The families and extended families, Clans, occupied territories, the boundaries of which fluctuated with their ability to hold them. A wild and feuding lot that even had descent within their own ranks. In early times the dominant man became leader, Clan Chief, when this dominance became more entrenched they laid claim to the areas occupied. Parts were allocated to clan members others were rented to tenants, a good source of income and subjected manpower.
The Vikings started making raids in the 8th century and later part colonised the area until around 1300 when their occupation under Torquill was crushed at Torquill's ford on the river Shiel by Somerlad. The Clans continued to feude and were almost impossible to subjugate, while small groups and individuals stole neighbours stock and trade in illicit goods without the government authorities being able to control them until comparatively recently.

St. Finnan's Isle, (Burial ground of the Clan Chiefs)

In Loch Shiel there is an Island thought to have been used for burial, ritualistic (bull sacrifice)and religious purposes since time immemorial. Natural conditions dictating this destiny because it is not large enough for agricultural purposes. It is a secluded, quiet place and would have been free of wolves or anything which could have disturbed inturned bodies. Much of the soil is deep and free draining - a situation lacking in much of the area.

St. Columba, 551 - 597 brought Christianity to Scotland. Establishing a monastery at lona from where his ministry progressed to Ardnamurchan and beyond.
The Island being revered by all, (even it's fir trees were mentioned by the poet Alasdair MacMhaighstir Alastair) naturally found itself in a situation of Detente between the local inhabitants wishing to use the place and so Columba's influence in the name of St.Finnan became established there. lona Abby and the surrounding area field walls, reveals a very high standard of natural stone work. The 2 stone jetties serving the island show a likeness in craftsman. The building of a chapel was credited to Allan - nan - Creach, (along with 6 others churches), as a penance for his wicked past and to seek relief from a sickness which ailed him. However, on recovering his health he reverted to his old ways and the chapel was never roofed. The last occupancy of the island was in about 1647 when the chapel was abandoned. The chapel is a ruin today but on the alter is a bell over 200 years old. Existing detente having prevented it from being molested, except for on one occasion when a military party passing by on their way to Glen Finnan uplifted it. Shortly after arriving there local Clansmen caught up with them, tied the culprits to trees and thrashed then, before returning the bell. It is reported the bell is cursed and anyone taking it will be sorely troubled, which I suppose the troops were ".

The natural status of detante prevailing between the local inhabitants down through the ages became more defined with an agreement between the Presbyterians and Catholics by establishing a dividing line running EW just south of the chapel which is in the Catholic sector. The division on the main land being the Loch. Even when Catholicism was mainly banished it held on one way or another another, when unable to find land to build churches on they built floating churches for Loch Shiel and elsewhere. While the animosity raged a garrison was established on the river Shiel to keep the oposing factions apart. Hence the fishing pool names of Captains and Garrison.

The big memorial Cross on the island is that of Father Charles Macdonald 1835-1894.