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This illustration was taken from "Argyll's Highlands" by Cuthbert Bede. It shows a photograph of what is claimed to be the footprints of St. Columba, from 564 A.D., near Keil Churchyard where the missionary preached.

St. Columba was born at Garten in County Donegal, Ireland, on 7 December 521. At the age of 42, he and twelve companions crossed the sea and landed at Iona on 12 May 563. After spending several years among the Scots of Dalriada, Columba began his lifetime work of converting the Northern Picts to Christianity.

Along with St Comgall and St. Canice, he succeeded in converting King Brude at his royal residence near Inverness. Brude's people swiftly followed their King's example and amid significant opposition from followers of the older religion, the Christian movement gradually spread throughout Caledonia. After a life of preaching the gospel, St. Columba died at his monastery on Iona, on 9 June 597

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