St Conval was a contemporary of St Columba and he also came to Scotland. In his case he arrived on a flat stone which floated across the sea and eventually deposited him in Inchchinnan on the Clyde.
The Chapel contains a memorial slab to the 4th Lord Blythswood, Archibald Douglas Campbell. He carried on the building work after the death of his Aunt Helen in 1927. He was buried in he Inchchinnan in the mausoleum to the Blythswoods, but is remembered here also.
The chapel has a wrought iron gate, made by Thomas Hadden which contains masonic symbols and the Blythswood initials. Archibald’s service in the Scot’s Guards, along with his personal award of Knight Commander of the Victorian Order which was awarded by the Queen, are seen on the shield with a masonic divider.
Inside, a red block vaulted roof sits above the stone slab with its decorative broadsword. The Levantine marble slabs on the North and South walls take on a wonderful mix of purple colours on sunny days.
There is a clear link to the Templar Order and Crusades in the design of the chapel.
Entering the chapel, you will find to the left, the tiny cell of St Conan, accessed through a Saxon doorway.
St Conan’s Kirk requires ongoing maintenance and it is through donation that we are are able to maintain and improve this building and keep it open for the public to enjoy. So if you are able, please use one of the following links to donate by text message.
