Gaelic name Eilean Chunndainn OS grid reference NH457556 Sovereign state United Kingdom Council area Highland | Meaning of name island of Contin Island group River Conon Area 15 ha Lieutenancy area Highland | |
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Highest elevation 20 m (66 ft) above sea level | ||
Contin Island is an inhabited riverine islet in Ross and Cromarty within the Highland Council area of Scotland. Located in the Black Water, a tributary of the River Conon, it is 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) downstream from Rogie Falls and is connected to the village of Contin by both a road bridge and a footbridge.
Contents
Map of Contin Island, Strathpeffer, UK
Geography
The island is flat and lies between two arms of the Black Water. It is wooded at the northern and southern ends and at the center is the parish church of Contin, dedicated to St Maelrubha or Máel Ruba and the old manse, surrounded by farm land. There has probably been a church on this site since the 7th or 8th century and there is a reference to it in 1227. The present church building dates from 1490, the former church having been burned by the MacDonalds sometime between 1482 and 1488. It was repaired and altered circa 1832. There are two stones in the churchyard dating to about 1200.
The church itself is constructed with rubble walls and a slate roof and the 19th century reconstruction was done to the design of William Thomson. It has arched doors, windows with lattice glazing and a birdcage bellcote on the west gable.
The manse, constructed in 1794 and enlarged in the 19th century, is located to the south of the church. It is now a private dwelling.
Inhabitation
Although it is clear from photographic evidence that the island is inhabited, at least from time to time, it was not listed as such by the census in 2001. However, the manse is a full time family home. or 2011.