Saddell Tourist Information

Saddell, the idyllic setting for a Cistercian Abbey, which stands next to the 'Allt nan Manach' (Stream of the Monks). The Abbey was founded by the great warrior King, Somerled in 1160, and completed by his son Reginald. From Somerled descended the Clan MacDonald and the Lords of the Isles, who ruled the West of Scotland until 1493.

A form of Celtic Stone carving flourished at Saddell, and 11grave slabs found here can be seen, depicting knights, monks, ships, salmon, otters and other images.

Saddell Castle was built by the Bishop of Argyll in 1508, to whom the lands were made over by James IV, using much of the stone from the Abbey. There is a very pleasant walk down to Saddell Bay, from the small car park at the gates to the Castle.