Saddell Abbey is widely known for its important collection of life-sized stone carvings and burial slabs that were constructed from the 14th to the 16th centuries.

The church consisted of an aisleless nave and choir and north and south transepts laid out in the cruciform style.

An assemblage of stone walls surrounded by a burial ground represent the north transept and nave of the original church.

Several of the 14th to 16th century stone carvings, including a cross, six grave slabs and five effigies, are on display under a special shelter at the entrance to the abbey site.

It is believed that the effigies were constructed on the island of Iona and brought to the abbey, while the remaining carvings were made by skilled stone craftsmen on site.

[4] The abbey was abandoned around 1470 when James IV of Scotland forfeited the Lordship of the Isles and its lands to the Bishopric of Argyll.