Maclean’s Cross, Iona

Maclean’s Cross (east)

Between Iona’s Benedictine Abbey and the ruins of an Augustinian nunnery stands a beautifully-carved medieval cross.

Maclean’s Cross – so named because it is thought to have been commissioned by a chieftain of that clan – dates from the 15th century, and it stands at the point where three ancient tracks meet. Historic Scotland describes it as ‘a wayside prayer-cross’, and ‘a fine example of the Iona school of stone-carving’.  Pilgrims in the Middle Ages would have paused here on their way to St Columba’s monastery and the 12th century nunnery, which are only a short walk away.

One of the tracks on which the cross stands is the ancient Sràid nan Marbh (‘Street of the Dead’).  This is the path that would have been taken by funeral parties bearing kings and chieftains to their last resting place on the sacred island, and it runs from Martyrs’ Bay to Reilig Odhrain chapel;  apparently, it also passes the site of the bakehouse, which offered food by way of welcome for travellers and pilgrims.

Maclean’s Cross (west)

The disc-headed cross stands three metres high, and both sides display intricate carvings;  on the west-facing side is the crucifixion, while the eastern side is adorned with animals.  Both the arms of the cross have suffered damage and erosion.  The shaft is carved with an amazing design of plaitwork interlaced with leaves;  an armed horseman at the foot of the cross may represent the Maclean chief who commissioned it.

Read more about Iona’s beautiful nunnery here on The Hazel Tree.

All images copyright © Colin Woolf

Sources:

• Historic Scotland
• RCAHMS Canmore

12th century Augustinian nunnery

Iona and the Abbey