ORAN—ODRAN—ODHRAN (from odhar, dun, + dim. -an, the dun one.  Compare Ciaran, Finnan).  "The dedication to Oran, or Odhran, in the islands connected with Dalriada probably belong to the earlier Dalriadic Church.  Besides the cemetery in Iona called Reilig Odhrain, he appears in Tiree, where there is a burial-ground called Cladh Odhrain, in Colonsay at Kiloran, and in Kiloran on the north bank of Loch-Sgridan.  He was of the stock of the people of Dalriada, and his death is recorded on 2nd October A.D. 548."—Sk., ii. 35.  There is a tradition regarding him that "Columba said to his people it would be well for us that our roots should pass into the earth here.  And he said to them, it is permitted to you that some one of you go under the earth of this island to consecrate it.  Odhran arose quickly, and said, 'If you accept me I am ready for that.'  Odhran then went to heaven.  He founded the church of Hy (Iona) there." (The Place Names of Argyll, Gillies, 1906).