Applecross

Here is a photo of Scotland's first Christian Church situated at the very unlikely Applecross, apparently founded by St Columba as he arrived on shore from Ireland . Applecross is very remote and situated over a very steep mountain pass. Not exactly an ideal place to start a Spiritual  mission from then ? Well sea travel was the preferred way to travel back then, so I guess the geography would not have been an obstacle and when viewed in its location to Ireland is just a hop across the Irish Sea. I do wonder whether the beautiful surroundings were taken into consideration back then as well though ? Its remoteness would have helped protect, but there again it didn't stop the Vikings from raiding ! Run to the hills would have been my moto.
  I know its a cliché but there is a deep peace in this Church and ive only just worked out why. Inside is very sparse. The floor is wooden but un-polished and is the colour of white seasoned drift wood as are the wicker chairs which are used for occasional services. The walls are pointed with lime and are bare stone. THERE ARE NO CROSSES OR RELIGIOUS SYMBOLS ANYWHERE ( except for a Bible ) In fact I found a large painting of Jesus dumped behind some pews on an upper balcony.
  Why is this strange and of relevance ? Well my Uncle came across a very old angry man a couple of years ago cursing at this painting and saying it should be taken down. This quite rattled my Uncle at the time, and struck him as bizarre. Well, someone has taken the old mans views to heart it seems...but WHY ? The atmosphere reminds me of a Buddhist temple due to the sparse interior. Maybe there is something pre-Christian lingering here that wont just lie down ???