Garvelloch or Holy Islands, Argyleshire

Historical Description

GARVELLOCH, or Holy Islands, a cluster of small islands, in the parish of Jura and Colonsay, district of Islay, county of Argyll. These islands, which are situated in the Atlantic, to the west of Balnahuaigh, obtained their second name from having been the residence of the monks of Iona previously to the foundation of that monastery; and there are still some remains of a chapel and cemetery, and of the ancient conventual buildings. The isles are the property of Colin Campbell, Esq., of Jura, to whom they pay a rental of £150 per annum, derived chiefly from their excellent pasture for sheep and black-cattle. Here is also a marble-quarry, which appears to have been wrought at a very early period, and some of the produce of which is to be seen in the castle of Inverary.