The Kildalton High Cross stands
in the chapel grounds on the lands of Ardmore, to the East of the Island. This is
the only complete Celtic High Cross in Scotland, Carved circa AD800, probably by a
sculptor from Iona.
In the early days of the Club, the Ramsays of Kildalton commissioned a
silver replica as the trophy for the premier competition of the Islay Golf Club.
Many others have been added over the years, including the silver Higginbotham Trophy, but
none compare to the Cross.
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By a generous donation a commemorative display cabinet has been
commissioned, in which the Cross and other trophies will be on display for future
years. |
The original trophy remained with the Club until
May 1968, when it and other trophies were stolen from the Hotel, and although some were
recovered , the priceless Cross was never seen again. Fortunately, the Ramsay family
retained an identical cross and allowed the Soutter family, also long associated with the
Club, to copy and donate a further replica. This is the trophy which is held, and
held in equivalent esteem and competed for each year. |
