Iona

Iona is a small island off the Ross of Mull in the Inner Hebrides. It sits two kilometres from Mull’s coast and measures about two by six kilometres. The island has few trees, most clustered near the parish church. Its highest point is Dùn Ì, a 101-metre hill. The Bay at the Back of the Ocean and Càrn Cùl ri Éirinn mark notable spots. Offshore lie smaller islets such as Eilean Annraidh and Soa Island. The island is best known for Iona Abbey, founded in 563 by Columba. For three centuries it served as a centre of Gaelic monasticism. Today it draws pilgrims and visitors for its calm and spiritual atmosphere. The Hugh Fraser Foundation donated much of the island to the National Trust for Scotland in 1980. The abbey and some church buildings belong to the Iona Cathedral Trust. A short walk north of the main settlement leads to the abbey and MacLeod Centre. The village at St Ronan’s Bay contains the primary school, post office, two hotels and the Bishop’s House. The Nunnery ruins stand nearby. On the west side, Port Bàn beach hosts the Iona Beach Party. The island’s quiet lanes and open landscapes offer peaceful views of Mull and the surrounding sea.