The Cowal peninsula, in Argyll, is one of the most accessible parts of the Scottish Highlands. Yet, despite that, it's one of the most peaceful places you could hope to holiday in the UK, right next door to Glasgow; only an hour or so from Scotland's central belt; and just down the road from Glen Coe. But if you're looking to escape the urban jungle - without ending up in a tourist trap - come and visit Cowal.

The Cowal peninsula is an area where some of the earliest signs of Christianity in the Gaelic world are to be found. In the 7th century an Irish holy man called Fintan Munnu started one of the first Christian communities in the west of Scotland here. He gave the village its name: Kilmun.

Munnu became a Saint, and his reputation made Kilmun an important sacred place. All that remains of the monastic settlement is the ruins of the collegiate tower, burned down during a massacre of the Campbells. The powerful Campbell clan, who became Lords, Earls and then Dukes of Argyll, adopted it as their spiritual home.They paid priests to pray for their souls, and their dead are buried in a the grand mausoleum you can visit.

Hundreds of years later, a new and stunningly beautiful church was built to house the visitors who came Doon the Watter from Glasgow during the Victorian industrial revolution. The wealthy landowners supported the church by commissioning wonderful colourful stained glass windows instead of prayers. In the churchyard, intriguing gravestones bear witness to the loves, hopes and work of the people who have lived here through the centuries.

We are delighted to welcome tours, special rates can be negotiated and teas may be available by arrangement.

Opening Times: -

10am - 4pm Thursday, Friday, Saturday April to October, or by appointment.