The Isle of Whithorn, a fishing village built around a naturally sheltered bay on the tip of the Scottish Machars peninsula
The isle of Whithorn is no longer an Island, 1790 brought harbour improvements which included the building of a causeway, that some of the village is now built on.
at the highest point of isle heads sits the lighthouse
The small square lighthouse was by no means the first stucture here as it sits among the remains of a much much older promontary fort.
Ridge and furrow marks are visible by the fort and the ramparts are clear to see protecting the landward side of the fort. There is evidence of the remains of a 6m roundhouse on the site.
No firm date has been put on the this site but it must date back to the bronze or Iron age
First erected in the 1100s St Ninian's Chapel would have been a stop off for medieval pilgrims on the way to St Ninian's Shrine at Whithorn Priory. The remains here date to about 1300.
The chapel is currently being consolidated to protect it for years to come.
The original chapel, built in the 1100s, stood within a stone enclosure wall, part of which remains today.
A house for a priest and a small burial ground were also possibly built within the wall.
St Ninian who founded the first christian church in Britain is said to have first set foot here on the Isle in the 4th century to begin his mission to convert the Picts to christianity after training in Rome
Another place for pilgrimage nearby is St Ninian's cave 3 miles along the coast to the west, this is suggested as an alternative site for his first landing. He died 3 miles away in Whithorn in 432
For centuries after his arrival the isle would see many travellers and pilgrims on their way to Whithorn, it was easier to travel by sea than by land.
Amongst the buildings along the harbour is the Steam Packet Inn, where they serve exceptional food and beer from their own micro brewery. The steam packet company once ran a regular ferry service between the Isle and Liverpool for cargo and passengers. Some smaller craft would also work from here, with some possibly involved in a bit of smuggling.
In the 19th century the village had trade links with Ireland and the Isle of Man, ships were also being built here as well.
Fishing remains an important part of local life.
The Isle of Whithorn Church, dating back to 1834 and standing on part of the causeway. Head inside to see this fantastic display of local history with old photos and local stories
The white wall of the "Captain's Garden". is one of the village's most distinctive features This is a walled garden that extends out into the harbour
Theres a lot to cover in this beautiful area so look out for more from the channel, and maybe pay a visit yourself.
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🇬🇧 ABOUT EASTWOOD'S ADVENTURES 🇬🇧
Eastwood's Adventures is a KZread channel which is dedicated to exploring the historic sites and interesting and beautiful places we visit during our travels around the United Kingdom, taking in England, Scotland and Wales.
Filmed and Edited by Chris, with help and support from Wife Leigh
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