Ruins of a chapel originally built in the 6th or 7th century atop a pagan burial ground sitting on a narrow peninsula that can be cut off during exceptional tides. Archaeologically surveyed in the 1950s, a number of neolithic artefacts were discovered and dated including blades and arrow heads.
Today the remains are not substantial, but there are plenty of clues remaining as to the site's origins.
To gain access, take the turning for Straad by following signs for Calums Cabin from the A844. After a short while there's a hard right turn onto what looks like a bumpy potholed track. Take care over the rough ground - a very small car may struggle - for about half a mile to the beach where there is parking for several cars. Then it's a half-mile walk across the beach at low tide, or anti-clockwise around the bay over stony and rough ground. Watch out for the sheep - dogs should really be kept on a lead.
St Ninian's Chapel (Ruin) is NOT wheelchair accessible. Please consider this before planning a visit if this is a concern.
St Ninian's Chapel (Ruin) does not have a car park, however there is usually plenty of free on-street parking in the vicinity.
Not a lot to see but a magical location
There's not much left of the chapel remains but it is still a very special place to visit if only because of the sheer beauty of the surroundings.
Single 1.6m leaning stone on agricultural land
Small sheltered shingle and sand bay
Operation Starfish WWII decoy bunker
Independently run natural and historical museum of Bute
Tranquil and inspiring studio for the teaching of art classes for adults
A collection of ancient burial chambers in woodland
Small shingle bay in Rothesay harbour
Single 2m high standing stone close to old tramway route
A single large standing stone with cupmarks
Pair of adjacent Iron Age hill forts
A lovely soft shallow sandy beach ideal for family outings
Beautiful large sandy bay overlooking Inchmarnock and Arran
Bird hide overlooking large sandy bay and adjacent farmland
Perfect solitude and stunning views
Ruined castle overlooking Kilchattan Bay
Small but beautiful red sandy beach
Popular red sandy beach in this quiet corner of Bute
Ruins of a chambered Neolithic cairn
Ruined chapel and burial ground
Remains of a large stone circle
Bird hide overlooking freshwater loch with extensive reed beds
Bird hide overlooking freshwater loch, woodlands and farm land
Pair of brightly-painted rocks overlooking the Kyles
Psychological Astrologer, I Ching and Reiki practitioner
Gorgeous secluded sandy beach famous for seal-spotting
Extensive ruins of a 12th century Romanesque church with far reaching views
At-risk gothic church in partial ruin
Circle of 8 stones some of significant size
Beautiful 13th century chapel once the Cathedral of the Isles
Well-eroded stones in a salt marsh area
Lovely quiet bay with long tidal reach full of shells
A row of three large standing stones in alignment
Secluded sandy beach close to Bute Golf Course
Puppeteers workshop and classroom space
The information presented here is collected from the public domain or has been provided by previous customers, users of or visitors to St Ninian's Chapel (Ruin). It is presented in good faith but is not warranted to be complete or free from errors. E&OE.
