SMM+S

jimmcginlay · Last edited by jimmcginlay on Sat Nov 29, 2008 9:20 pm; edited 1 time in total

Saint Conan's Kirk is located on the A85 at the northern end of Loch Awe in Argyle and is one of the most unusual churches in Scotland. There aren't many places like this left in Scotland, a beautiful unspoiled attraction which you can walk around in peace without anyone trying to sell you anything. A visit any winter's afternoon is a special experience, and entry is free! But there is a donation box, the congregation is small and the roof leaking so all contributions are very welcome. Although the building looks ancient it was in fact only dedicated in 1930. Walter Campbell of Blythswood decided to extend the small parish church which stood on the site to create a memorial for the Campbell's of Blythswood family and work began in 1907. Campbell was an amateur architect and enthusiastic collector of the unusual and he decided to act as his own architect, often incorporating materials, objects and curios that he had picked up in his travels into the design of the church. The result was an amazing eclectic mix of various styles from the Norman and Romanesque of the interior, to Celtic motifs and even pagan symbolism in the form of the stone circle at the entrance gate.

jimmcginlay · Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2008 9:15 pm Post subject:

Edinburgh sculptor Alexander Carrick carried out many commissions in the kirk in the years before WWI including the statue of Saint Conan, patron saint of Lorne, which is on the exterior wall overlooking the Loch.

jimmcginlay · Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2008 9:16 pm Post subject:

Campbell had obtained a piece of bone from the grave of Robert the Bruce after its discovery in Dunfermline Abbey in the early 19th century. Bruce had connections with the area having fought with the Black Douglas in a battle at the Pass of Brander and Campbell dedicated the Bruce Chapel in the kirk with a recumbant effigy of the king carved in wood to house the reliquary. I'm not sure but the unusual white marble face and hands perhaps came from Campbell's collection and were incorporated into the sculpture.

jimmcginlay · Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2008 9:17 pm Post subject:

The kirk is full of unsusual architectural features:

jimmcginlay · Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2008 9:17 pm Post subject:

After WWI Carrick was Carrick was commissioned to carve a tomb for Walter Campbell by his widow.

jimmcginlay · Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2008 9:18 pm Post subject:

Carrick was also responsible for the Lochawe war memorial at the entrance to the kirk.
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