A Sad Sight - 2

The last post included a photo by Erskine Beveridge, and it reminded of my first visit to Vallay in 2000. While on the island I explored the sad ruin of Vallay House. It was built in 1902 for Erskine Beveridge, who spent his summers there until his death in 1920. For more info on Beveridge see Chapter 16 of Book 2. My source for Beveridge's history was an interesting booklet by Hugh Walker: The Story of Erskine Beveridge and St Leonard's Works (1991). 

Vallay House in 2000

Main Front Room - Vallay House

A Sad Sight - 1

Sometimes, while wandering on the islands, you come across a sad sight (or is it a sad site?). Here is one of them: the empty cross socket atop Tor an Ab, the hillock of St Columba on Iona. One wonders what work of art and faith once stood here, but was destined to stolen by thieves or destroyed by vandals.

Empty cross-socket on Tor an Ab - Isle of Iona