DDiscover AloneMapAbout

Teampall na Trianaid

Heritage attraction

This does not grant access. Check current paths, opening conditions and ownership before entering.

Operator
Comann Glèidhteachais Teampall na Trianaid
What do you know about this place?Tap to add a comment or ask a question

What you write will be public.

What is recorded here

Teampall na Trianaid is North Uist's largest medieval church ruin, tied to the MacRuairi family, church lands, clan fighting and stories that remained alive long after worship ended.

Foundation and growth

The church at Carinish may have begun in the thirteenth century and was probably rebuilt in the fourteenth. Tradition credits Amie MacRuairi, while older records show the surrounding church lands passing through powerful religious houses.

People and events

In 1601 MacDonalds sheltered their cattle here during a MacLeod raid before the nearby Battle of Carinish. Stories also connect the smaller attached building with the MacVicar family.

Damage, loss and survival

The church fell into ruin after the change in worship of the sixteenth century. Cut stone and carved pieces were removed for other uses, but tall north and west walls and the smaller chapel remain.

Why it mattered

This was one of the Western Isles' largest churches before the change in worship. Its surviving walls connect island religion with lordship, church land, clan conflict and a rich body of local story.

Sources for this account

Sources checked 16 August 2026.

From OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors) w716995610

Places near here

Photo credits
  • Sandy Gerrard, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Maker not stated on source page, www.dreamstime.com
  • David Martin, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Gordon Brown, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Zenit, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
  • Hector Davie, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Maker not stated on source page, www.flickr.com
  • Maker not stated on source page, commons.wikimedia.org
  • Anne Burgess, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Gordon Hatton, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Maker not stated on source page, ru.pinterest.com
  • Roger McLachlan, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
North Uist, Carinish, Teampull Na TrionaidBurial Ground (medieval), Church (14th Century), House (16th Century) · 5 ydMapped graveyardGraveyard · 7 ydNorth Uist, Teampull Na TrionaidUnidentified Pottery (iron Age) · 11 ydThe ruins of Trinity Temple (Teampull na Trianaid)Old home or work place · 17 ydBattle of CarinishBattle · 387 ydNorth Uist, Carinish Parish ChurchChurch (19th Century) · 428 ydEilean nan CorrIslet · 461 ydDubh-eilean LeathannIslet · 501 ydFree Church at CairinisChurch, cross or graveyard · 675 ydRuin at Bail LochdrachOld home or work place · 916 ydTràigh EachcamaisBeach / strand · 1560 ydStony beach Baile SearBeach · 2.0 mi

More things to do in Na h-Eileanan Siar · All of Na h-Eileanan Siar

Add to this placeAdd a picture Add a detailed tip Add a story

Explore the map1,095,414 places to discover

Next place · or swipeNorth Uist, Carinish, Teampull Na Trionaid