Kilmodan Sculptured Stones

All but one of the Kilmodan late-medieval slabs are carved in the same style common to mid-Argyll, Lorn and Cowal. Their decorations include: 

• panels of interlace and intertwined plant stems 

• swords and tools, including what appears to be a blacksmith’s tongs 

• a range of animals, both real and fantastic – a deer hunt, a unicorn, and animals battling with axes and spears are all depicted 

• human figures on four slabs 

The largest collection of stones in this style is at Kilmartin Church. 

A large grave-slab dating to 1636 commemorates Donald McCloy, the minister of Kilmodan from 1611 to 1651. Records show McCloy resigned his ministry due to old age, and the large number of English-speaking Lowlanders moving into the parish. 

The surrounding churchyard contains many more fine post-Reformation gravestones and tombs, many of which are well-preserved.