Finlaggan is an island on a lake, on an island (Islay) on the Atlantic Ocean. It is also a place that very few people know about. I spent about three hours here because I found it so interesting. Also, this was the first day with a little sun since I arrived.
While this area has been occupied since the Ice Age, it became the seat of government of a large kingdom in the 12th Century that consisted of most of western Scotland, all of the Hebrides Islands, and northern Ireland. Why Islay? No one knows for sure, but it was in about the center of that area.
There isn't much of a fancy sign indicating this national site.
And there isn't much of a road getting there.
And in case you thought you were lost, this museum sign was halfway down this two-mile road.
Soon, a big garbage truck started following me, so I found a wider place to pull over and let it go by since it was in a hurry.
Almost there. The garbage truck is at the visitor center.
These photos are not exactly in order, but here is a sign describing a suit in the next photo that was worn over chain mail. It was linen and stuffed with wool, and was made for an educational TV show.
This stone, found on the site, shows a boat from the 12th Century.
The ruler, or the Lord of the Isles, brought Christianity to Islay and built a church here.
The docent pointed out that this kingdom was able to keep the Vikings out because their ships had rudders, as shown on this model.
Unfortunately, the print on this is too small to read, so check out this website for more history of Finlaggan: https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/usfeatures/lordsoftheisles/index.html
The buildings on the island were built and rebuilt over centuries, but here is what the island looked like.
Most historical sites in the U.K. are approached through fields where sheep or cattle graze. There are fences and gates which prevent animals from escaping, as long as you carefully close the gate when you leave.
Looking down toward the island on a lake.
This is the chapel described above. Not much left of it.
Some grave stones have been removed, but these four inside the chapel were left in place, but covered in clear plastic to protect them.
You can see by the rows of rocks that these are the foundations of ancient buildings.
Time to head home along the tiny single-track.
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