ABSTRACT
There is extensive documentary evidence for Irish missionaries founding monasteries and hermitages across the British Isles. In particular, the islands and Western coastlines of Scotland present a rich archaeological heritage of former eremitic settlement much of which was linked to the important early Christian centre on Iona. Further afield early hermitages can be found on the coastlines and islands of Wales and northern Britain as well as in eastern Scotland and Western Britain and point to a vibrant and dynamic early Christian landscape. This chapter will discuss such examples in the context of religious practice and experience as well as the important role played by setting, environment and the wider landscape.
