 The narrows form a natural crossing to Bonawe on the north shore, and for centuries the village was a staging post and resting place for travellers.A small hill immediately to the east of the main street of the village was the site of Killespickerill, which was built in 1228 as the seat of the Bishop of Argyll.Some of its ruins were incorporated into "Muckairn Parish Church", built in 1829.