History on our Doorstep at Kilbride
Historic Kilbride is just a short pleasant stroll across the fields next to the pub. Now that Covid restrictions have lifted this ancient kirkyard is happy to welcome visitors so do take a wander and explore the Church of Saint Bride the Virgin in Lorn. We are so lucky to have a monument of national importance, which has been a site of Christian worship since at least the 6th century, on our doorstep. It was one of Argyll’s important churches from the early middle ages to the Post Reformation era and since 1757, Chiefs of Clan MacDougall have been laid to rest here, along with some 300 others from all walks of life.
Liam lives next to the kirkyard and likes nothing more than to entertain and educate those that arrive at his gate. Don’t be surprised if he bursts into song as he’s set local stories (and a few stories about locals) to music and has a fine voice. Coincidentally, Chair of the charity that funds the development of Kilbride – Seymour Adams – is an accomplished conductor so not surprisingly the first event held at the Kirkyard this summer was a musical performance from award-winning ‘Aeris Brass’ quartet. The concert was a great success and we look forward to more events in the kirkyard. Plans are in hand to hold a ceremonial public casting of a replica of the original 1978 bell that is in the care of the Friends of Kilbride charity.
The event will involve the erection of a furnace, a moulding of the 1798 bell being made in wax, and then suitable molten metal being poured into the mould. Various experts will be on site to ensure the work is carried out safely and competently. As we get more details we will share on our facebook feed as the charity hope to show off the restoration work that has taken place at the historic kirkyard during lockdown.