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Story relating to Teampull Bholley and 'An Groey', 27 October 1873

 Item
Identifier: Coll-97/CW115/4

Scope and Contents

Story relating to Teampull Bholley [Teampull Mholuaidh, Eòropaidh/Eoropie, Eilean Leòdhais/Isle of Lewis] and 'An Groey' probably collected from Angus Gunn, cottar, Dail bho Thuath/North Dell, Nis/Ness, Eilean Leòdhais/Isle of Lewis. He describes how Pollaig [Moluag] built the temple to include an echo but that he had no roof. While asleep he heard a voice telling him to go to Tràigh Sheannta [Traigh Shanndaigh], which he did and then oak was washed ashore which made a roof without using nails: 'Spars & couples fitting into one another so ingenously that it w[ou]ld never move.' The roof was later used for Eaglais Pheadair. Gunn also mentions the place outside the church where pregnant women would have to sit during the sermon. Gunn insists that there is a connection between Gaelic and Scandinavian languages that the minister An Gro'idh was Scandinavian and that he lost his sight. After losing his sight he made a hole in the earth with his hands and a cairn was raised. Gunn tells how when the people of Ronay [Rònaidh/North Rona] came ashore they would go straight to the temple to pray before going to church and that no one was ever buried there as they were buried in the machair at Eòropaidh.

Dates

  • Creation: 27 October 1873

Language of Materials

Gaelic,English

Conditions Governing Access

This material is unrestricted.

Extent

From the Series: 12 folios ; 17 x 21cm