Davaar Island
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Davaar Island and 'The Painting'...
The Famous Davaar Island Cave Painting of Jesus on the Cross.
Painted in 1887 by local teacher Archibald MacKinnon.
The work was carried out completely in secret by the teacher after he had a dream telling him where to paint it. It couldn't have been easy for Archie as he had to lash his paintbrush to his walking stick to reach.
Shortly after the painting was discovered he left the town, returning in 1902 and again in 1934 to carry out restoration work.
The painting was restored again in the 1950's and in the 1970's, fittingly by Art teachers from Campbeltown Grammar School. They added a lead strip above the work to prevent further damage by rain water. Unfortunately the figures on either side of Jesus had suffered too much damage.
Information for visitors:
Davaar Island lies in Kilbrannan Sound at the mouth of Campbeltown Loch.
The cave, situated on the South side of the island, is one of several and can be reached on foot by the shingle causeway (the Dhorlin ) uncovered at low tide times.
For those who don't carry a compass with you, when you cross the Dhorlin go in the opposite direction to the Lighthouse :)
**Visitors should check with the local Tourism Office for tide times.**
Allow a good 45 minutes for the walk to the island (for both ways) and also give yourself half an hour (30 minutes) to traverse the rocks* around the South side to reach the cave.
The painting can be found in the seventh cave, the entrance to which is marked by a small plaque on the cliff face and also by the many small cairns and wooden crosses made by visitors and pilgrims to the site.
Please respect others by not disturbing any of the items left there.
*Stout Walking Boots essential for the trip across the rocks!!!
Available at the Machrihanish Online Cafepress Store:
