Teampall nan Crò Naomb

Heritage Site in Ross-shire

Scotland

Teampall nan Crò Naomb

Old field walls on northern slope of Cnoc Thorabroc The walls of this field, close to the coast, have been overgrown. Field features some lazy beds. — Old field walls on northern slope of Cnoc Thorabroc Credit: John Collister

Teampall nan Crò Naomb, also known as the Church of the Hollow of the Saints, is a historic heritage site located in Ross-shire, Scotland. This ancient church is believed to date back to the 8th or 9th century and is situated on the eastern shore of Little Loch Broom.

The Teampall nan Crò Naomb is a small chapel constructed using dry stone walling techniques and consists of a rectangular nave and a smaller, narrower chancel. The building's design is typical of early Christian churches in Scotland, showcasing a simple yet elegant architectural style.

One of the most notable features of this heritage site is the presence of several intricately carved Pictish stones. These stones, dating from the 8th to 10th centuries, are adorned with unique symbols and motifs that provide valuable insights into the artistic and cultural traditions of the Picts, an ancient people who once inhabited this region of Scotland.

Teampall nan Crò Naomb is surrounded by a tranquil landscape, featuring rolling hills and breathtaking views of the loch. The site is accessible via a short walk from the nearest road, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the serene atmosphere while exploring the ruins and admiring the ancient carved stones.

As a protected heritage site, Teampall nan Crò Naomb provides an important glimpse into the early Christian history and Pictish culture of Scotland. Its significant archaeological and historical value makes it a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts alike, attracting visitors from all around the world.

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Teampall nan Crò Naomb Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.448/-6.397 or Grid Reference NB4359. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old field walls on northern slope of Cnoc Thorabroc

The walls of this field, close to the coast, have been overgrown. Field features some lazy beds.

John Collister

Geodh'an Toa and headland at Tobha Ghabhsainn

Geodh'an Toa with Tobha Ghabhsainn behind. Small stone beach is near entrance to cave. Viewed from a sheep track at cliff edge at Druim o Thuath

John Collister

Gabhsann bho Thuath (North Galson)

A dark threatening sky above the houses at Gabhsann bho Thuath heralds the next vicious squall on a blustery day.

Anne Burgess

Near Gabhsann

Lines of breaking waves, and storm clouds building over the land, on a wild day on the west coast of Leòdhas near Gabhsann (Galson).

Anne Burgess

Reidheadal

The map shows as Reidheadal a gap in the rocks offshore here. It is hard to believe that such a place could have been used enough to acquire a name, given how exposed it is to the north-west. The sunshine is more an illusion than a reality - it was merely a gap between sharp squalls of blustery rain - and the next storm clouds are building over the sea.

Anne Burgess

Surf!

Waves breaking as they roll in towards the west coast of Leòdhas near Gabhsann. In fact the sea bed west of the Hebrides mostly slopes very gently, so the waves here are not nearly as impressive as they might be further south where there are sea cliffs.

Anne Burgess

Foreshore at Gabhsann

Beyond the Lewisian gneiss of the rocky shore, the white horses show that the wind is blowing at least Force 4-5.

Anne Burgess

Gabhsann bho Deas

Water from a nearby spring has carved a gap in the dunes, providing a peaceful frame for a view of a wild sea. The yellow flowers are Marsh Marigold, also known as Kingcups (Caltha palustris) which are typical of wet habitats like this.

Anne Burgess

Teampall nan CrÃ² Naomh

One of the parts still standing of the mediaeval Church of the Holy Blood. It is a protected monument. See Link

Anne Burgess

Teampall nan CrÃ² Naomh

The more distant building is that in NB4359 : Teampall nan Crò Naomh. The burial ground still seems to be in use; the boulders in the grass mark the sites of lairs, and some are marked with the addresses of the crofts to which the lairs belong.

Anne Burgess

Galson: postbox № HS2 74 and phone

The postbox is one of a great minority on the Western Isles in being set into a wall. It is at the crossroads of the A857 and is probably in the wall of the old post office (the present post office is half a mile or so along the side-road).

Chris Downer

Galson: the A857 from Ness

The A857 approaches Galson from the north, going into a dip where it crosses the river, Abhainn Gabhsann bho Thuath (i.e. north Galson river, Ghabsann equating to Galson).

Chris Downer