Iona

Iona is a small, fertile crofting island, currently inhabited by around 130 people. The National Trust for Scotland works in partnership with the local community and other organisations to carry out a range of conservation projects on the island.

With its stunning landscape of white sandy beaches and dramatic changing light, Iona is one of the most sacred sites in Britain. It was here in AD 563 that Columba and his followers arrived from Ireland to extend in Scotland and the north of England the gospel which had first been introduced by St Ninian at Whithorn in AD 397.

Iona is still a centre for Christian pilgrimage and its atmosphere of spirituality and the sense of serenity continue to inspire visitors and those who live and work on the island.

In the Trust's care, since 1979, are 2,250 acres of the island. The Abbey, other sacred buildings and historic sites were conveyed by the 8th Duke of Argyll in 1899 to the Iona Cathedral Trustees and are not owned by the Trust.

Over a century ago, the Abbey and monastic buildings were restored and in 1938, The Iona Community was founded to continue the tradition of worship in the abbey through daily services and teaching.

Iona's historical and religious attractions include the Abbey church and cloisters, St Columba's shrine, the site of St Columba's writing cell and a superb collection of over 180 medieval carved stones and crosses.

In the Abbey graveyard, many early Scottish kings and chiefs, as well as kings from Ireland, Norway and France are buried and nearby are the remains of the 13th century nunnery.
Managed by Historic Scotland.

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