Colonsay’s Dùn Cholla sits within stories of exile and early Christian arrival. It is a hillfort, a defended high place, known chiefly through a short source record.
Tradition links the fort with Colla Uais after exile from Ireland. The same record says St Columba founded his first Scottish church in its shadow.
What follows is drawn from published sources, with each claim labelled by how firmly it is established.
History
Dùn Cholla is recorded as a hillfort on Colonsay.
Tradition says it was a fort of Colla Uais after his exile from Ireland in 310.
The source states that St Columba established his first church in Scotland in the shadow of Dùn Cholla.
People
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Colla Uais
Figure traditionally linked with the fort after exile from Ireland.
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St Columba
Associated in the source with a first Scottish church below Dùn Cholla.
Connections
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Colonsay
Island setting of the fort.
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Ireland
Named in the Colla Uais exile tradition.
What is said
Folklore and tradition, recorded as what is said — not as established fact.
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Colla Uais tradition
Tradition identifies Dùn Cholla as Colla Uais's fort after exile from Ireland. (tradition)
Plan your visit
- Location
- 56.0445°N · 6.2123°W
- Terrain
- Rough ground — reasonable boots advised
Opening & admission
Check locally before travelling
- The source records Dùn Cholla but gives no visiting arrangements.
- Expect upland conditions if access is possible.
Nearby places
Questions people ask
- What is Dùn Cholla?
- It is a hillfort on Colonsay.
- Who was Colla Uais?
- The source names him in tradition as the exile associated with the fort.
- What is the St Columba link?
- The source says St Columba founded his first church in Scotland below Dùn Cholla.
Sources
Explore more: Building or ruins · Medieval · Argyll and Bute
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