Iona

Iona is a small island in the Inner Hebrides, off the west coast of Scotland, located near Mull. It is best known for Iona Abbey, founded by Saint Columba in 563, which became a major center of Celtic Christianity and a launching point for monastic missions across Scotland and Ireland. The abbey ruins and the surrounding church buildings remain a significant historic site, attracting pilgrims, scholars, and visitors interested in early medieval Christianity.

Historically, Iona played a key role in the spread of Christian learning in Scotland. Over the centuries the monastic complex was expanded and rebuilt, and the island supported a community of monks and scholars during the medieval period. The island also faced the disruptions common to the Hebrides, including Norse sieges and changing ecclesiastical structures, before evolving into a place of pilgrimage and heritage.

In the modern era, Iona hosts the Iona Community, founded in 1938 by George MacLeod as an ecumenical Christian movement emphasizing worship, hospitality, and social justice. The community maintains facilities on the island and offers retreats and educational programs. Today, Iona is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike, drawn by the abbey ruins, coastal scenery, and opportunities for nature watching.

Geography and access: Iona lies off Mull’s northeast coast and is reachable by a ferry service from Fionnphort on Mull. The island features sandy beaches such as Traigh Mòr and Traigh Bàn, along with rugged coastlines and rich seabird life. The local economy depends largely on tourism and farming, and the resident population is small, estimated at around 100 people.