ll na Trionaid

The ruins of Teampall na Trianaid (the Trinity Temple) in Carinish, North Uist are believed to be those of Scotland’s oldest university.

A medieval monastery and college was certainly founded there by Beathag, the high-born Prioress of Iona around 1200 AD and developed as a centre of learning around 1350 by Amie MacRuari, under the Lordship of the Isles. Trinity Temple was destroyed after the Reformation and was once again restored in the 16th century until its recently renovation in 2011. A now disappeared carved triple head representing the Trinity was said to have topped one of the building’s gables.

It is claimed that the Scottish medieval philosopher, John Dun Scotus (John Duns the Scot) - c.1265-1309 – studied there before going to Oxford and Europe. Duns Scotus exerted a considerable influence on both catholic and secular thought in his time. Despite arousing bitter opposition from his contemporary Thomas Acquinas, he received the high accolade of Doctor Subtilis (the Subtle doctor) for his writing on the existence of God. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1993.

More information on visiting the area can be found here.