Kilmartin (, meaning "church of Màrtainn") is a small village in Argyll and Bute, western Scotland. It is best known as the centre of Kilmartin Glen, an area with one of the richest concentrations of prehistoric monuments and historical sites in Scotland. It contains over 800 monuments within a radius. It is home to Kilmartin Museum and the Kilmartin Hotel.
The two most important monuments are the Kilmartin crosses, one 9th–10th century, the other late medieval in date, within the church. In the churchyard are a large collection of late medieval gravestones in the 'West Highland' style, dating between the 14th and early 16th centuries. Many are marked by figures of warriors in contemporary dress with spears and swords, along with figures of fantastic animals, foliage and interlace patterns. None are inscribed, so the identities of the persons commemorated are unknown. They can, however, be taken to be the monuments of the local landowning or minor noble class in late medieval times. Kilmartin Church was evidently an important burial site, and the graveslabs of the 'Loch Awe school' of carving may have been carved in a workshop at or near Kilmartin. The swords shown on many of the stones refer to warrior (or, more broadly, social) status, and have no connection with the Knights Templar or other medieval military orders, as is sometimes suggested. Women are commemorated on some of the stones, their symbol often being the shears (referring to household activities).
John Duncanson (c.1630–1687) served as the Church of Scotland minister at Kilmartin between 1655–1662 and again between 1670–1684. He was removed in 1662 when episcopacy was re-established, but his appointment was restored in 1670. His son Major Robert Duncanson was a key figure in the 1692 Glencoe Massacre. Kilmartin Church has been decommissioned and is now in private ownership.
The village also has a hotel and public toilets.
Kilmartin's is one of the finest concentrations of prehistoric sites in Scotland, and almost all are within an easy walk of the roads which criss-cross the valley. One of the burial cairns has been rebuilt, with access through an opening in the top down stairs to the base of the cairn and a stone burial cist. The two stone circles in Temple Wood have also been re-erected by archaeologists.
Carnasserie Castle stands a little north of Kilmartin, and is in the care of Historic Environment Scotland. It was built by Bishop John Carswell of Argyll between 1565 and 1572, acquired on his death by his patron the Earl of Argyll then sold in 1643 to Sir Dugald Campbell, 3rd Baronet of Auchinbreck. It was blown up by government forces when his successor Duncan Campbell participated in the failed 1685 Argyll's Rising and never repaired. Largely complete, though roofless, its architecture is notably refined and includes much Renaissance ornamental detail.
Also within Kilmartin parish is the important Iron Age and early medieval hill-fort of Dunadd, one of the major centres of the kingdom of Dál Riata. It is also in the care of Historic Environment Scotland. Kilmartin has throughout history been considered one of the poorer and more destitute areas of Scotland.
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