Kildonan
Kildonan takes its name from the church of St Donan, a 6th century disciple who came to Arran to reputedly evangelise the heathen inhabitants.
It is said that he was buried at the side of the mill wheel at Kildonan farm, at which location there is also said to be the foundation of an ancient chapel. As there are however at least 7 Kildonans, at Kirkmaiden, Chapel Donan, Eigg, Arran, Highland, Skye and Little Bernera on the Outer Hebrides, it is more likely that he passed through Kildonan, Arran on a missionary route north, culmination in his martyrdom on Eigg with 50 of his monks in the year 617. It is not known who committed the act, as Eigg was populated by Picts at the time who were tolerant of the efforts of such as monks attempting to convert them to Christianity. I ti is though that a group of ‘Black Gentiles’ from Jutland or Denmark may have been responsible.
The village as it is today, grew out of the number of small clachans dotted around the district and is split as High Kildonan and Low Kildonan.
Kildonan Village Hall
Kildonan village hall, where our web cameras are located was built in 1915 as a reading room and adapted in 1916 as the village hall. The hall has been used continually throughout its’ 100 years. Serving the locals and visitors as a venue for parties, dances, meetings, exhibitions, talks, yoga, exercise, Taiko drumming, and since November 2014, a film club.
It is maintained by charitable works and the efforts of a number of dedicated volunteers.
Recent improvements have seen a new roof, new windows and doors and in celebration of its’ 100th year birthday the hall was made more accessible for the less able.
The bell which used to adorn the United Free Church on Church Brae was installed by the committee and volunteers to mark the millennium,
The current village hall and Improvements is a registered charity and managed by the present committee: