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All the United Kingdom Scotland Argyll and Bute Davaar Island Cave Painting

Davaar Island Cave Painting

The artwork is tucked within a cave on a tiny Scottish island only accessible at low tide.

Argyll and Bute, Scotland

Added By
Sandra McGhee
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The cave painting.   Steve Partridge/cc by-sa 2.0
The cave painting.   Steve Partridge/cc by-sa 2.0
The cave painting.   Johnny Durnan/cc by-sa 2.0
The entrance to the cave.   Steve Partridge/cc by-sa 2.0
Causeway to Davaar Island.   ssm67alba / Atlas Obscura User
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About

In 1887 Archibald MacKinnon, a local Campbeltown art teacher, had a vision in which he was instructed to paint a depiction of the crucifixion in a cave on Davaar Island. He secretly entered a cave and adorned one of its rocky walls with the image he dreamt.

But his secrecy may not have been wise. When local fishermen came across the painting, they thought the artwork was a miracle, a sign from God. After the townsfolk discovered that the artist was MacKinnon, a mere mortal and not a divine being, they were so angry they drove him out of town.

MacKinnon was eventually allowed back, though, as he has twice restored the original work. Today, local artists help look after the painting.

Access to the cave is tricky but doable and well worth attempting if you are in the area. The tiny island is linked to the mainland by a natural shingle causeway that only appears at low tide.

Related Tags

Caves Cave Paintings Art Christianity Islands Ecosystems

Know Before You Go

To explore the island it is essential you check tide times with the local tourist board in Campbeltown. The start of the causeway is about a 40-minute walk from Campbeltown, or you can park your car nearby. It takes about an hour to walk the shingle causeway and skirt around the island to the cave, plus an hour to return. Sturdy shoes are needed as the island is rocky with a pebble beach. It is definitely not suitable for anyone with a mobility issue.

Community Contributors

Added By

ssm67alba

Edited By

Kerry Wolfe

  • Kerry Wolfe

Published

August 13, 2018

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Sources
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davaar_Island
  • http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/glasgow_and_west/5235666.stm
  • https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/davaar-island.shtml
Davaar Island Cave Painting
Davaar Island
Argyll and Bute, Scotland
United Kingdom
55.421367, -5.545836
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Nearby Places

Linda McCartney Memorial Garden

Campbeltown, Scotland

miles away

'Land'

Saddell, Scotland

miles away

Saddell Abbey Grave Slabs

Saddell, Scotland

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Argyll and Bute

Argyll and Bute

Scotland

Places 13

Nearby Places

Linda McCartney Memorial Garden

Campbeltown, Scotland

miles away

'Land'

Saddell, Scotland

miles away

Saddell Abbey Grave Slabs

Saddell, Scotland

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Argyll and Bute

Argyll and Bute

Scotland

Places 13

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