Scottish Islands Explorer 41: Jan / Feb 2017

A History of Lismore
A History of Lismore
Gordon Eaglesham learnt more
There are few Scottish islands which boast a
heritage as rich as that of Lismore. It is truly
steeped in history, with remnants of a 13th Century
cathedral church, an Iron Age broch, Bronze Age
cairns and a Stevenson lighthouse, to name a few.
But when did Lismore’s story begin?
Geologically speaking, that would be 470 million
years ago, when ancient limestone was thrust up into
the middle of what is now known as the Great Glen
Fault. ese rocks were formed when life on Earth
was primeval. Its unique geology shaped the
landscape, still utilised by its residents.
Unlike much of Argyll, the Inner Hebrides and the
Western Highlands, the soil on Lismore is very
fertile owing to its limestone-based composition.
is nutrient-rich ground is a precious resource for
farming. Its Gaelic name, Lios Mòr, translates as ‘e
Great Garden’ for good reason. e soil’s inherent
value had far-reaching implications on conflicting
ownership claims.
First Farming
The first settlers are understood to be of
Neolithic origin, with the earliest archaeological
evidence being a polished stone axe-head from
3500BC – discovered at Balnagowan in 1974.
Evidence of the first farming activity from this
period was found in peat core samples taken at
Balnagowan and Fiart lochs.
ese showed a sharp decrease in tree pollen and a
substantial increase in grasses and cereal crops.
During this time, much deforestation took place,
transforming the landscape into what we see today.
e fact this happened is by no means unusual, but
the speed in which it evolved was extraordinary.
e most notable traces of subsequent Bronze Age
habitation come in the form of 14 burial cairns. All
but one are to be found in the south-west of the
island, with the exception of Cnoc Aingeal (Fire
Hill), which lies around three miles from the
northern end and is thought to be one of the largest
in Argyll.
Unearthed
Other Bronze Age relics include two intact cists -
burial chambers constructed of stone slabs - high up
on Barr Môr and Aon Garbh and a bronze-socketed
axe from the former. Little else from this age has
survived, or yet been unearthed, which is surprising
given the length of the period.
Clear signs of domestication occurred in the Iron
Age. en striking features appeared such as the
broch at Tirfuir, denoting a Pictish presence on
Lismore. It also happens to be one of the best
preserved examples of a Pictish broch in the country.
e most impressive Bronze Age find by far is a
bronze armlet discovered serendipitously during a
house renovation. Having been dated to around the
1st Century AD, its rarity earned it permanent
residence at the National Museum of Scotland, in
Edinburgh. A replica can be viewed in the island’s
Heritage Centre.
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017 SCOTTISH ISLANDS EXPLORER 33