An Cos

In years gone by the sea was the main route of travel for many attending church services. Boats would cross from Diabaig to Shieldaig on a regular basis. At communion time boats would also sail from more distant places such as Applecross, Gairloch, Skye and Raasay resulting in gatherings of hundreds of people.

One site for outdoor services was ‘An Cos’ (The Crevice), on the hill near the school in Shieldaig. Many would sit in the open air to listen to the minister. Historic images show that the preacher sheltered under a wooden pulpit box - this can be seen in Gairloch Museum. Until recent years, a wooden preaching box could also be found inside the church at Corry on Torridon Estate before the building was sold by the Church of Scotland and emptied.

More information on visiting the area can be found here.