Glen-da-ruail

In 1110 AD a battle was fought between Meckau, son of Magnus Barefoot, King of Norway and the Scots. The Scots won and threw bodies of their slaughtered enemies into the river, which flows through the glen, turning the water red with their blood. The river became known as the Ruail, and the Glen as Glen-da-ruail ("Glen of red blood"). This was later anglicised to the name we know today, Glendaruel.

Close to the Glendaruel Hotel lies the Kirk of Kilmodan. Consecrated to St. Modan, it was originally called CELLA MOUDANI. The present church, the third on the site, was built in 1610 and partially modernised in 1783. In the kirkyard many gravestones deserve more than a passing glance. There is also a Lapidarium containing carved gravestones with Celtic interlace and animal designs, dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. There are remains of Iron Age dwellings and standing stones to be found on the hillsides by walking short distances from the road. This and much more is to be found by those interested in the past.

We who live in this beautiful Glen, may say with truth, "Our lives have fallen on pleasant places." Glendaruel is renowned in song and story, and wherever the pipes are played, The Glendaruel Highlanders March is a must in every good piper's repertoire. You may know it as "Cambeltown Loch", but pipers know its correct title!