BBC - Scotland's History - Iona Scotland's History Scotland's History Articles Iona Iona The island of Iona, off the west coast of Scotland, is the symbolic centre of Scottish Christianity. Through 1400 years of history its fortunes have fluctuated, from its heights as one of the greatest centres of learning in Dark Age Europe, to its lows as a crumbling ruin. However, thanks to the fame of its monastic founder, St Columba, the island has always been revered as a holy place, and, over the centuries, Iona has continually been re-invented and reconstructed as a centre for pilgrimage. Iona's fame began in 563 AD when Columba, with thirteen followers, landed at the south end of the island, at St Columba's Bay, to establish a monastery. The Adobe Flash player and Javascript are required in order to view a video which appears on this page. You may wish to download the Adobe Flash player . The great abbey we see today belongs to a later era. Columba's Iona was very different. Columba had little interest in grand buildings - he was seeking seclusion among the 'desert' of the Atlantic Ocean.

Almost nothing remains of his original monastery however traces of the vallum, or ditch, that surrounded the monastic enclosure, can still be seen. Inside would have been a settlement that resembled a small village - a modest, timber church, surrounded by huts for the monks to live and work in, and small cells to provide the solitude necessary for prayer. These cells, or chambers, used for prayer, are also found on the nearby islands of Canna and Eileach Naoimh, and certain islands off the coast of Ireland such as Skellig Michael. From Adomnán, who wrote Columba's biography 100 years after his death, we know a great deal about the early monastery's daily life. Withdrawn, contemplative and austere, its primary purpose was the contemplation of God through prayer and learning. Holy texts from around Europe were copied, poetry flourished and Adomnán himself wrote a guide to the Holy land - a fact which illustrates that the monastery's intellectual horizons stretched right across Christendom. As a consequence Iona amassed one of the greatest libraries in Western Europe and became a powerhouse of Dark Age learning. Columba died on the 9th June 597 AD.

Adomnán writes that his final day was spent copying a psalter, on the Torr An Alba (the Hill of Scotland): the rock which stands in front of the Abbey today. He urged his successor as abbot to take up his work, then went to the church, dying in prayer before the altar with a final gesture of blessing on his monks. He is believed to have been buried below the small, stone chapel shrine, which is attached to the front of the abbey. It was around this building, or an earlier version of it, that the cult of Columba developed. Columba's monastery became a centre of pilgrimage. At first, access was restricted to high status pilgrims: royal and ecclesiastical visitors, or those in serious trouble, who stayed at its guest house, but later more humble pilgrims would have been allowed access to the monastery. The pilgrims travelled to Iona in life and in death. Many of the kings of Scotland, Ireland, and even of the Vikings, were buried there.

Some of the most famous Kings of Alba, from Kenneth MacAlpin to MacBeth, made their final journey there - across the sound to Iona, onto the harbour, and up the Street of the Dead to the burial ground, the Relig Oran. This royal tradition was only broken twice whilst The Western Isles stayed a part of the Kingdom of Alba - once by Constantine mac Aed ( buried St Andrews) and again by Malcolm Canmore (buried at Dunfermline). The last king to be interred on Iona was Malcolm's brother, Donald Bane, before Malcolm's son, Edgar, surrendered the island to Magnus, King of Norway, after he subdued the isles to his will in 1098 AD. Recently the tradition was revived, and Iona was again the centre of national mourning when the Labour leader, John Smith, was buried there. Wealthy pilgrims brought money to the monastery, and in the 8th century some of the finest Dark Age works of art were created to glorify Columba.

The Book of Kells, now held in Trintity College Dublin, was crafted on Iona, along with the celtic high crosses from the 8th and 9th centuries - dedicated to St Martin, St Odhrain, St John and St Matthew. The crosses are of exquisite celtic design and were given by wealthy patrons to promote the Cult of Columba. In 794 AD Iona experienced the first of many Viking raids that eventually forced the monastery into decline. As one historian has commented: rich monasteries like Iona were the Dark Age equivalent of drive-in banks to the Vikings. The Adobe Flash player and Javascript are required in order to view a video which appears on this page. You may wish to download the Adobe Flash player . In 806 AD, a total of 68 monks were slain by the Vikings at Martyrs Bay, just south of the Ferry landing. By 825 AD the monastery, thanks to its exposed position, was virtually abandoned. St Blathmac refused to leave, and suffered martyrdom at the hands of Vikings for refusing to divulge the treasures and relics of Columba.

In 849 AD Columba's relics were removed and divided two ways between Scotland and Ireland. Iona may have been abandoned, but in the 10th century its power was revived after the vikings converted to Christianity and intermarried with the local Gaelic populace. New building works began, such as St Oran's Chapel, beside The Road of the Dead; and Margaret, Queen of Alba, made donations to promote the Cult of Columba. In 1200 AD, Raghnall, son of Somerled, virtual King of the Isles, brought in the Benedictine Order and built the great abbey. He also established St Ronan's Nunnery, named after one of Iona's monks, which accomodated up to 400 Augustinian nuns - the ruins of this building still stand within the village. Raghnall's sister, Bethag, was instated as St Ronan's first prioress. The importation of Reformed Monastic Orders, like the Benedictines, to the heart of Columban monasticism wasn't without controversy. The Bishop of Derry attacked the building works, but Raghnall prevailed and the abbey was completed.

The Benedictines revitalised the Columban cult on Iona until the Reformation when the abbey was abandoned and slowly fell into ruin. For just under 400 years the settlement lay in ruins until, in 1938, the Iona Community, a Ecumenical Christian group, was founded there by the Rev George MacLeod. Committed to finding the relevance of the Gospel, they set about restoring the ruined abbey. More articles St Columba and the Isle of Iona St Columba and the Isle of Iona Navigation By Ben Johnson | Comments Lying off the west coast of the Isle of Mull the tiny Isle of Iona , barely three miles long by one mile wide, has had an influence out of all proportion to its size on the establishment of Christianity in Scotland, England and throughout mainland Europe. Iona's place in history was secured in 563 AD when St. Columba arrived on its white sandy beaches with 12 followers, built his first Celtic church and established a monastic community. Once settled, the Irish monk set about converting most of pagan Scotland and northern England to the Christian faith.

Iona's fame as a missionary centre and outstanding place of learning eventually spread throughout Europe, turning it into a place of pilgrimage for several centuries to come. Iona became a sacred isle where kings of Scotland (48), Ireland (4) and Norway (8) were buried. So who was St. Columba or Colum Cille in Gaelic…? Born of royal blood in 521 AD in Ireland, or Scotia as it was then called, he was the grandson of the Irish King Niall. He left Ireland for Scotland not as a missionary but as an act of self-imposed penance for a bloody mess he had caused at home. He had upset the king of Ireland by refusing to hand over a copy of the Gospels he had illegally copied, this led to a pitched battle in which Columba's warrior family prevailed. Full of remorse for his actions and the deaths he had ultimately caused he fled, finally setting on Iona as the first place he found from where he couldn't see his native Ireland. One of the features on the island is even called "The Hill with its back to Ireland". St.

Columba however, was not the shy retiring type and set about building Iona's original abbey from clay and wood. In this endeavour he displayed some strange idiosyncrasies, including banishing women and cows from the island, claiming that "where there is a cow there is a woman, and where there is a woman there is mischief". The abbey builders had to leave their wives and daughters on the nearby Eilean nam Ban (Woman's Island). Stranger still, he also banished frogs and snakes from Iona. How he accomplished this feat is not as well documented. The strangest claim of all however is that Columba was prevented from completing the building of the original chapel until a living person had been buried in the foundations. His friend Oran volunteered for the job and was duly buried. It is said that Columba later requested that Oran's face to be uncovered so he could bid a final farewell to his friend. Oran's face was uncovered and he was found to be still alive but uttering such blasphemous descriptions of Heaven and Hell that Columbus ordered that he be covered up immediately! Over the centuries the monks of Iona produced countless elaborate carvings, manuscripts and Celtic crosses.

Perhaps their greatest work was the exquisite Book of Kells, which dates from 800 AD, currently on display in Trinity College, Dublin. Shortly after this in 806 AD came the first of the Viking raids when many of the monks were slaughtered and their work destroyed. The Celtic Church, lacking central control and organisation, diminished in size and stature over the years to be replaced by the much larger and stronger Roman Church. Even Iona was not exempt from these changes and in 1203 a nunnery for the Order of the Black Nuns was established and the present-day Benedictine Abbey was built. The Abbey was a victim of the Reformation and lay in ruins until 1899 when its restoration started. No part of St. Columba's original buildings have survived, however on the left hand side of the Abbey entrance can be seen a small roofed chamber which is claimed to mark the site of the saint's tomb. How to get there: Passenger ferry form Fionnphort on the Isle of Mull. Ferries to the Isle of Mull from Oban, Lochaline and Kilchoan on the Ardnamurchan peninsular.

Iona | The Independent Travel Iona The bath was leaking and ants had invaded the kitchen, but Sally Kindberg was far away ... on a spiritual quest to Iona, St Columba's Hebridean island Tuesday 10 June 1997 23:02 BST Click to follow The Independent Travel My daughter had reached roughly twice my size and was making none too subtle hints about my leaving home. So deciding not to argue, I set off on a spiritual quest. As I left, I said with what I hoped was a stern and decisive air: "I will be back." My destination was the tiny island of Iona in the Hebrides, home of the 6th-century saint Columba, who arrived here from Ireland having had an argument over a library book with the king. The place is reputedly a powerful source of peace and spiritual renewal. Unlike another famous Celt of that time, Saint Hya, who travelled around on a leaf, I had to resort to more mundane methods of transport, which did, however, require saintly patience.

Travel by leaf was probably a lot faster and more ecologically sound than the circuitous routes for my journey suggested by several helpful members of the rail enquiry office at Euston station. I took the sleeper from Euston, an expensive single berth that included useful free toiletries such as a razor and after-shave, and woke up early one morning in the middle of the Highlands, surrounded by mauve mountains and lochs lying like giant silver fish outside my window. At Crianlarich, while waiting for my next connection (to Oban), I drank strong tea at a little platform cafe with faded travel posters, and waited two hours for a handsome young Scotrail official to arrive with a large key to open the Ladies' lavatory. The West Highland Line, opened in 1894 (with a free copy of the Window Gazer's Guide for every passenger), branches off westwards through spectacular scenery to the coast. It passes enormous Loch Awe with its little steamer, the ruins of Kilchurn Castle - a Campbell stronghold struck by lightning in the 1700s - and curves round Ben Cruachan.

Ferries to the islands sail from Oban, Argyll's main town and harbour - but where was I? A Roman coliseum seemed somewhat disconcertingly to dominate the harbour view. Mr McCaig, 19th-century banker and art critic, decided that the best way to keep unemployed stonemasons busy (and provide a family mausoleum) was to do a bit job creation on a grand scale, hence the granite replica. Don't visit the Tartan Centre in Oban if you have a headache - everything (chocs, whisky, walking sticks, etc) is covered in tartan packaging. In the serious section upstairs, a computer helps you to discover your Scottish connections, and then you can kit up in the appropriate kilt. Amazing how entangled Japanese and Scottish family trees seem to be. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to discover the correct tartan for the clan McKindberg as I had a CalMac ferry to catch - to Craignure on the island of Mull, the next stage of my journey. From Craignure I travelled west on an Essbee bus playing melancholy country & western music. All Essbee drivers seemed to be called Hughie.

The various Hughies drove at a maximum speed of 20mph, stopping occasionally for a sheep to cross the road. The bus took me to Fionnphort, and from there I sailed a short distance by ferry to the isle of Iona. The point about Iona is that you can very happily do very little there. The island is three miles long and one and half miles wide, there are no pubs and there's one small hill, called Dun. I spent much time walking about or sitting on silvery beaches, thinking about monks or even nothing at all, eating the odd KitKat and looking out to sea. St Columba and his monks set up a Celtic Christian community on Iona in AD563, which flourished until the 9th century when the Vikings did horrid things at Martyrs' Bay, now the site of a depressed cafe. The early monastery was rebuilt in the 11th and 16th centuries, ransacked in the Reformation and restored again in the 1930s by the Rev George Macleod, who left his Glasgow parish to set up the Iona Community and rebuild the abbey.

I met some of the Community when I went to a candlelit Friendship Evening in the abbey. Two large people with fluffy chins and sandals played the recorder and guitar and we sang jolly hymns. Afterwards a kind man with several teeth introduced himself as Keith from Watford and brought me a cup of tea. Everybody seemed very happy. Anyone can stay at the abbey, which has bunk beds and is rather cold. Staying there seemed to involve lots of joining in and not complaining. Later I investigated a rival spiritual haven, the Episcopalian Bishop's House, which has comfy beds, a sunny lounge and TV, and realised that my spirtuality is not up to much. On a calm day you take a boat from Iona to Staffa, sailing past The Island of Women, so called according to the boatman, because St Columba had banished several women there after they had distracted his monks. Despite looking like something that has boiled over, smelling strongly of fish and being covered in feathers, Staffa inspired Mendelssohn to write "Fingal's Cave" in honour of the black basalt colonnaded cavern in its side.

You can do touristy things there such as sit on Fingal's Throne, or look for puffins. After some time on and around Iona I realised that I felt refreshed and restored. I was ready for anything. Which was just as well, because that night I received a phone call from my daughter, who asked in an aggrieved but conciliatory tone: "When are you coming home? The bath's leaking, giant killer ants have taken over the kitchen, and there are bills to pay ..." Unfazed I said: "I'm on my way"n Ionan inclinations The island is challenging to reach. Taking Glasgow as a starting point, you first have to travel to Oban. Scotrail (0345 484950 for rail information) has three direct Glasgow-Oban services a day, taking about three hours. An adult return costs pounds 22.20.

Scottish Citylink (0990 505050) has a number of coach services from Glasgow to Oban, 8.15am and 12.15pm every day except Sundays, 6pm every day and 10am on Sundays only; return fare pounds 16.80. From Oban you catch a ferry to the island of Mull, which takes 40 mins. Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac, 01475 650100) runs a service every two hours from 10am-6pm. Return tickets cost pounds 45 for a car and pounds 5.40 for an adult. You then drive or catch an Essbee bus to Fionnphort (pounds 2.60 return), where you board another Caledonian MacBrayne ferry to Iona for pounds 2.75 return. Cars cannot be taken to Iona, but must be left on Mull.

Oban Tourist Information (01631 563122) runs tours to Iona leaving Oban at 10am daily and returning at 5.40pm. Tickets are pounds 15. More about: Isle of Iona – Saint Columba Island A Guide to the Southern Inner Hebridean Isles of Argyll Isle of Iona – Saint Columba Island Although the Southern Hebridean Isle of Iona is only 3 miles long and 1.5 miles wide, its places of interest and historical significance far out-distances its compact geography. While traces of early human occupation have been found on Iona; hand-worked flint flakes and tools, Bronze Age burials and an Iron Age dun (hill fort), it is for the early Christian Saint Columba and his works that the island is best known. After visting Islay and Oronsay on his way north from his native Ireland, Columba arrived in Iona in 563 AD.

Columba, or in Irish Gaelic, Colum Cille, Dove of the Church, was born in 521 AD, a prince of royal blood in Ireland and grandson of the Irish High King Niall. However, Columba, a skilled scribe as a young man, fell foul of the ruling powers concerning the copyright of a book. Columba reputedly had a fiery temper and, in a time when a book was a rare item held in high esteem as the most valuable of possessions, he refused to accept judgement and hand over the copy of the Psalter of St Jerome which he had illicitly made. Traditionally, King Diarmaid’s judgement to establish the copyright was ‘to the cow, her calf, to the book its little book.’ Columba’s refusal to give up the book led to his raising an army and in 561AD fought a pitched battle in which his warrior family prevailed. It is said that 10,000 souls were lost in the ensuing Battle of Cuil Dremhne. Then, remorseful for the deaths his defiance had caused, Columba and his followers fled into exile.

They finally settled on the Isle of Iona, as the first place in his journey from where he was unable to see the shores of his native Ireland. By 500 AD the Irish Scotii clan Ui Neill were sailing their curraghs to trade and settle on part of Scotland’s west coast which they called Dalriada, “Portion of land of Riada” after their homeland in Ireland’s Antrim Glens. According to Ptolemy’s ancient maps, the Epidii, the Horse Tribe, were then living in what is now called Argyll and Kintyre. Nowadays, we call this area Earra Ghàidheal, Argyll, the Coastline of the Gael. Iona Abbey In 563, with his twelve companions Columba set about building Iona’s first church, made of clay and wood construction. It was written that Columba had great physical and mental strength, had experienced thorough religious training and had become a persuasive speaker with the ‘human touch’. He was greatly beloved, if a little feared, by his increasing numbers of followers.

Columba brought his abilities to bear on all he met in his extensive travels and ministry, with the result that Scotland at the time and for long after began to adhere to Christianity. Nothing of Columba’s original abbey or settlement buildings now exist on Iona. However, to the left side of the Abbey entrance a small roofed chamber can be seen, and this is believed to be the site of Saint Columba’s tomb. Columba died on Iona on 9th June, 597AD. St Columba’s biography was written a century after his death by the Irish monk who became Saint Adòmnan. Adòmnan died in 702AD, having been made Abbot of Iona in 679. An annotated ‘Life of St Columba’ by Adòmnan of Iona was published in 1995 by Penguin Classics in paperback. Today’s People of Iona About hundred and thirty-five people live on Iona permanently, all year round. Some families have been here for many generations, whilst others have arrived recently to build a life on the island.

Work on Iona is divided between crofting, raising cattle and sheep, and tourism-related jobs in catering, accommodation provision, and tour-guiding on land and by sea. Also, a number of craftspeople make unique, individually designed goods for sale in Iona’s shops and galleries. The population is boosted to around three hundred in summer, as people take up summer jobs or volunteer placements in the Iona Community. Iona’s primary school has around twenty children enrolled. For secondary education, pupils go to Oban High School, and stay as weekly boarders in the Oban school hostel. Iona St Ronans Bay The ‘Iona Community’ Within the local community of Iona there is the interfaith Iona Community founded in 1938 by the Reverend George MacLeod of Fiunary. The Iona Community describes itself as ‘an ecumenical Christian community of men and women from different walks of life and different traditions in the Christian church’. The membership of the Community comes from within the UK and abroad, and maintain resident staff living and working on Iona, supplemented by seasonal or longer term volunteers. Individuals and groups share in work and worship at the Community’s centres on Iona.

The Abbey and The MacLeod Centre are staffed by the Iona Community, as is Camas, their outdoor adventure centre on nearby Mull. Features and places to visit: The island of Iona is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland. The island was given to the National Trust in 1979 by the Fraser Foundation in memory of Lord Hugh Fraser of Allander. The Fraser Foundation had purchased Iona from the Duke of Argyll. On the way to Iona, visitors may wish to explore the Saint Columba Welcome and Exhibition Centre in Fionnphort, Isle of Mull, near the departure point of the Iona ferry. The Centre was opened in 1997 during the commemorations of the 1400th anniversary of Columba’s death, and the exhibition is run by Historic Scotland. The Saint Columba Centre at Fionnphort is not open at present. Access may be arranged through Iona Abbey on 01681 700512. Staff explained that the Saint Columba Centre is expected to be closed at least until the autumn of 2009.

Iona Nunnery Next to the school on the way from the pier to the Abbey are the 13th century ruins of Iona’s Nunnery. The colourful gardens offer the visitor a pleasant introduction to Iona’s historic sites. Camas Cuil an t-Siamh – Bay at the back of the ocean. Treshnish Isles in the distance. Iona Heritage Centre The former manse next to the parish church is now Iona’s Heritage Centre. The Centre is open Mondays – Saturdays (tel: 01681 700576). Iona Abbey Iona Abbey church was substantially expanded in the fifteenth century. During and after the Scottish Reformation the abbey was dismantled and abandoned, their monks and Libraries were dispersed. The Duke of Argyll transferred ownership of the ruined remains of the Abbey and Nunnery sites to the Iona Cathedral Trust in 1899. The Cathedral Trust undertook extensive restoration of the Abbey church. The Abbey is situated about fifteen minutes walk from the ferry pier. The Abbey buildings are open daily, and guided tours are available. Services are held several times a day.

There is a gift shop accessible from the cloisters, and a small museum where carved gravestones can be viewed. For information about the Abbey, visit the Iona Community web site and Historic Scotland. Opening times: Summer 1 April – 30 September, Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun, 9.30 am to 5.30 pm (last entry 5pm) Winter: 1 October – 31 March, Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun, 10.00 am to 4.00 pm (last entry 3.30pm). Sundays in Winter – Unmanned. Abbey Church, Shrine, Michael Chapel and grounds open. Admission prices All year Adult £7.10, Child £4.30, Concession £5.70 Iona Baile Mor Crafts and Gift shops There are several good craft/gift shops such as The Iona Gallery and Pottery. Also visit Aosdana for Celtic-style Iona silver jewellery, and the Oran creative crafts co-opererative in the Columba Steadings opposite the Columba Hotel.

Getting to Iona Ferries to the Isle of Mull depart from Oban, and also from Lochaline and Kilchoan on the Ardnamurchan peninsula. There are regular buses from Craignure on the east coast of Mull, connecting with the ferries arriving from and departing to Oban on the mainland. The passenger-only ferry to Iona departs from the village of Fionnphort in southwest Mull. Only permanent residents may bring a car onto Iona. Caledonian MacBrayne operates a small foot-passenger ferry between Iona and Fionnphort on the southwestern tip of the Isle of Mull. It runs back and forth throughout the day, and the crossing takes 5 minutes. The cost of a return ticket is around £5.20 GBP. Bicycles are carried free. Information on ferries, schedules and routes is available from the ferry travel page Visitors’ cars are not allowed onto Iona, but if you are unable to walk the quarter of a mile to the Abbey, you can hire a taxi to collect you at the ferry.

Contact Lindsay and Joyce McIntyre – telephone 01681 700776 or 0781 032 5990 – advance booking is essential. They also have a couple of electric bikes for hire. For more info visit this link Throughout the spring and summer season there are daily coach-and-ferry day-trips to Mull, Iona, Staffa and the Treshnish Isles from Oban. You can also get a boat trip to Staffa direct from Iona. A traditional wooden open boat, ‘Birthe Marie’ is available for charter. Maximum 11 passengers. Operates mid April – late September. Scheduled boat trips (up to 3 hours) also operate on certain days. Contact Mark Jardine. Tel: 01681 700537. For more information on cruise and charter operators on Iona and other nearby areas check out the cruise and boat trips page Macleans Cross Macleans Cross This tall free-standing cross was probably erected in the fifteenth century. The solid wheel-head depicts the Crucifixion. The broad faces are carved with an interlace pattern continuing the Celtic tradition.

The church in the background is Iona Parish Church built in 1828. It was one of 32 “Parliamentary Churches” (so named because they were paid for with funds voted by Parliament) built across the Highlands and Islands to a standard design produced by the engineer Thomas Telford for a T-shaped church and an accompanying manse. Iona Community & Local Websites. Tourist Information: About Us | St. Columba of Iona Monastery St. Columba of Iona Monastery The Spiritual Writings of Rev. Peter M Preble Search About Us St. Columba of Iona Orthodox Christian Monastery For centuries Monastic Communities have been an integral part of the Orthodox Christian Tradition and life. Today monasticism remains an important and vital part of the Orthodox Christian faith. The focus of monasticism is on theosis, the process becoming more like God, of perfection to which every Christian is called. Historically monasteries were also centers of learning, evangelization and Church planting. In the Celtic lands monasteries were responsible for preservation of the culture and for large collections of the written word as well as liturgical art.

Many believe that the Book of Kells was created at the monastery on the Isle of Iona off the coast of Scotland. The Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript in Latin, containing the four Gospels of the New Testament. It is a masterwork of Western calligraphy and represents the pinnacle of insular illumination. It is also widely regarded as Ireland’s finest national treasure – a true work representing Orthodox Christianity. In 563 St. Columba founded the monastery on the Island of Iona the smallest of the islands in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. St. Columba and 12 companions founded the monastery and then set out on the conversion of pagan Scotland. In this day and age steady rise of secular materialism, totalitarianism and radical Islam there is a greater than ever need for more Monastic Communities here in the United States. It is also the vision of the monastic foundation to create an Orthodox Center for Church Growth and Evangelism; an academic and practical mission to train and raise up men and women who are called and have a vision for Orthodox evangelism, church growth and the establishment of new Orthodox parishes throughout New England and broader United States.

This is very much in keeping with the biblical mandate to “go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matt.28:19ff) and very same mission that St. Columba of Iona embarked on many centuries ago. Vision: To establish an authentic Pan-Orthodox Monastic Community (Eastern & Western Rite) in the heart of Central Massachusetts dedicated to a balanced life of prayer, worship, work and service in support of the broader Orthodox Church’s mission to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the un-changed and timeless Orthodox Christian Faith to America in the same spirit and missionary zeal as St. Columba of Iona. Mission: St. Columba of Iona Monastery exists to make visible the Kingdom of God to the world; is dedicated to a life of prayer, worship, work and service of others; committed to support local Orthodox Parishes in their evangelistic and missionary outreach to the broader community; is set apart as a place of prayer, contemplation, spiritual direction, formation and renewal; a holy place firmly rooted in the sacramental life of the Church. Leave a Reply St. Columba Hotel - UPDATED 2016 Reviews (Scotland/Isle of Iona) St.

Columba Hotel 5-star Hotels in Isle of Iona 4-star Hotels in Isle of Iona Isle of Iona, PA76 6SL, Scotland Hotel amenities Trusted partner. We work with to make your booking as easy as possible. Secure payments. We use industry-leading practices to keep your information secure. Book on Enter dates for best prices powered by Prices from our online travel partners are not available Check In - Check Out 1 guest 2 guests Our online travel partners don't provide prices for this accommodation, but we can search other options in Isle of Iona Check In Check Out Login for exclusive access to hotel deals up to 40% off Login to get best prices 80 more photos Ages of Children: change Please provide ages Child 1 Age Rooms & rates for St. Columba Hotel We're finding you the best rooms at the lowest prices from our partner. Book on Getting you more information on this room See More Select Show available rooms for St. Columba Hotel We’re sorry, there are no available rooms for this property on TripAdvisor. Please change dates or see offers from our partners. We’re sorry, there are no available rooms for this property on TripAdvisor.

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Columba Hotel Click to rate “Excellent location close to the Iona Abbey” Reviewed November 20, 2016 We enjoyed our stay at this hotel which had a nice restaurant, but, again, the location next to the Abbey was wonderful for those of us who are getting older and don't need a long walk to get to places. Our sister also enjoyed the sunny lounge room for reading in the morning. Report “5 Star Service” Reviewed October 5, 2016 The St. Columba Hotel on the Isle of Iona is, in my opinion, the place to stay while on the island. It is fresh and clean and warm and inviting at all times. The staff go out of their way to ensure each guest is comfortable and has what they need. The restaurant offers gourmet dining with stunning views of... More Thank Nick G Dot_Stewart, General Manager at St. Columba Hotel, responded to this review Many thanks for taking the time to post this review. We're delighted that you enjoyed your stay with us and hope to welcome you back again on your next visit to Iona!

More “Best Lodging on the Isle of Iona!” Reviewed September 29, 2016 Dot and her staff are incedibly welcoming, friendly, and helpful. There's a spirit there of family and we liked getting to know the names of the staff, etc. Our room, #12, was one floor up and looked right out on the Bishop's House and the Sound of Iona. It was quiet and comfortable. We attended a weeklong retreat there and... More Thank Mary052010 Dot_Stewart, General Manager at St. Columba Hotel, responded to this review Thank you very much for taking the time to post this review. We're delighted to read how much you enjoyed your stay with us, and hope to be able to welcome you back again soon! More Reviewed September 13, 2016 via mobile Accommodation options are limited on Iona, with two hotels and a few B&Bs. My mother and I stayed at the St. Columba Hotel, which is in an ideal location for those interested in Iona's Celtic Christian heritage -- right next door to Iona Abbey. St.

Columba Hotel is an older building and has a homey, cozy ambience. One of the... More Thank Janet T Dot_Stewart, General Manager at St. Columba Hotel, responded to this review Thank you for taking the time to write this review. We’re delighted to read that you enjoyed your stay with us. I’m sorry it came as a surprise that our room rates include continental breakfast. We try to be clear about that at the time of booking so I’m very sorry that hadn’t been made known to you. I’m glad... More Cockenzie and Port Seton, null, United Kingdom Level “The Low Door” Reviewed September 12, 2016 This is a review not of the hotel itself, but of a must-visit deli/artisan/produce/spirits outlet across the road run by the hotel. With specially selected products - some hand-made using the hotel's own produce - this is an excellent addition to what's available locally. Friendly staff, quality goods, take-away hot drinks ... Brilliant! Report Thank Tom G Dot_Stewart, General Manager at St. Columba Hotel, responded to this review Many thanks for taking the time to post this review.

We're delighted to read how much you appreciated your visits to The Low Door! Elise H Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Level Reviewed August 31, 2016 via mobile Ratings are really relative. If I were staying in this hotel in Manhattan, it would be a 3*. But, you must keep the location and other available hotels/B&Bs in mind when rating. On Iona, the St. Columba Hotel us truly the best option. The location is fantastic, located on the water with stunning views. On one side is the Abbey,... More 2Thank Elise H Dot_Stewart, General Manager at St. Columba Hotel, responded to this review Many thanks for taking the time to write this review. We're delighted to read how much you enjoyed your stay and hope to welcome you back again on your next visit to Iona. You are quite right - room 5 definitely is 'one of a kind'! More “Magical setting” Reviewed August 30, 2016 One has to remember location and history of this magical setting so tarif probably appropriate but at top end of value for money .

Shame communal were not scrubbed and cleaned to really pristine standards bit grubby could have done with a scrub is scuff marks etc, we were not expecting or wanting international hotel style accommodation. Rooms are clean... More Thank Helen M Dot_Stewart, General Manager at St. Columba Hotel, responded to this review Thank you very much for taking the time to post this review, we're delighted to read that you enjoyed your stay with us. We work hard to keep the hotel clean and fresh, so I'm very sorry that you found some of the communal areas less than pristine. I'm glad that you found the bedroom clean, and appreciated our views... More “Lovely place, given the location. Great food.” Reviewed August 25, 2016 The rooms are a little small but this is Iona, not Edinburgh, and we were delighted to have an opportunity to stay here. Rooms were comfortable and clean, and the facility has a lovely lounge to hang out in (WiFi was very weak in the rooms but fine in the lounge). A word of warning, in August don't open the... More Thank Mr_Dough_P Dot_Stewart, General Manager at St.

Columba Hotel, responded to this review Many thanks for taking the time to write this review. We're delighted to read that you enjoyed your stay with us and that you appreciated our location and our food. I'm sorry that you were bothered by midges during your stay - most of the time we are fortunate to have enough of a sea breeze to keep them at... More Reviewed August 22, 2016 via mobile We stayed at the St. Columba for a night with our eight year old and we're generally quite pleased. The room was quite basic for the fee charged, however we were pleased that there was no TV! We spent some time in the lounge playing games and enjoying the view. We ate in the restaurant for both dinner and breakfast... More Thank Gemma E Dot_Stewart, General Manager at St. Columba Hotel, responded to this review Thank you very much for taking the time to post this review. We're pleased to read that you enjoyed your stay with us and that you were able to make good use of the facilities in our lounge and in our garden. At this stage of the year we enjoy seeing the stars appear again as the nights draw in... More “Excellent staff & service.

Rooms small.” Reviewed August 9, 2016 The staff were very nice and helpful, they picked me up from the ferry without being asked and were happy to drop me off again. Their local knowledge prevented me from being stranded on Mull when I nearly missed the only bus service for that day. The room/bathroom was very small and the toilet was very difficult to use as... More Thank Craig H Dot_Stewart, General Manager at St. Columba Hotel, responded to this review Thank you for taking the time to post this review. I'm sorry that you found the room and bathroom a little small, but glad that you found our staff helpful, and that you were able to make good use of their local knowledge! More Questions? Get answers from hotel staff and past guests. Ask a question Explore similar hotels Map updates are paused. Zoom in to see updated info. Reset zoom There are no pins in your viewport. Try moving the map or changing your filters. Only show hotels with confirmed availability {providername} {price} We can't find prices for this accommodation From {rate_price} {rate_periodicity} 80 photos of this hotel Traveler photos: See what travelers like you saw Viewed Hotels you might also like...

Also consider these accommodations in or near Isle of Iona 23.7 mi away Questions? Get answers from hotel staff and past guests. Ask a question Amenities Free High Speed Internet ( WiFi ) Things to do Free High Speed Internet ( WiFi ) Public Wifi Official Description (provided by the hotel) Situated next to Iona Abbey with stunning panoramic views across the Sound of Iona to the mountains of Mull. All food prepared from scratch in our own kitchens making use of fresh garden produce from our own gardens. Free broadband wireless internet. A warm welcome and friendly service. ... more less Additional Information about St. Columba Hotel Address: Isle of Iona, PA76 6SL, Scotland Location: United Kingdom > Scotland > The Hebrides > Isle of Iona Price Range: $95 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room) Number of rooms: 50 Iona, Scotland | Order of Bards and Druids Iona, Scotland by Philip Carr-Gomm If you feel the call of Iona, then answer that call and make the journey to her. She is like a very old Crone, rocky and barren and eternally loving and gentle and tough and wise. She is very old.

She is very holy. There is no other place on earth quite like Iona. Like all Shamballah places, Iona shall always be. Iona is a Grail-lit Isle. Iona is deathless. On Iona one finds the Rainbow which bridges Heaven and Earth. Elinore Dettiger The tiny island of Iona in the Scottish Hebrides is believed by many to be one of the most sacred places on earth. Formed by the very oldest of rock, it may have been a sacred island of the Druids before becoming the centre from which St Columba converted most of Scotland and northern England to Christianity. Monks from Iona created the Book of Kells and founded the monastery of Lindisfarne in Northumbria. The island became a place of pilgrimage and royal burial as its fame as a centre of learning spread far and wide. A Benedictine monastery and nunnery later replaced Columba’s settlement which was destroyed by Vikings. In recent times the Iona Community has restored the medieval abbey ruins and promotes a dynamic approach to Christianity which emphasises social justice, while ‘alternative’ pilgrims - Pagans, Druids and New Age believers - visit the island to bask in its atmosphere.

This island set apart, this motherland of many dreams, still yields its secret, but it is only as men seek that they truly find. To reach the heart of Iona is to find something eternal. G.E. Troup Travelling to the western isles of Scotland is partly a journey to the light, for as you travel west towards the Atlantic the quality of light changes - becoming translucid, more heavenly and less earthly. At the same time the sea mists bring rainbows of every kind - short and transient, or vast and arcing across the sea. Iona is reached after two sea crossings - first from the Scottish mainland at Oban to the island of Mull, and then across the Sound of Iona on a ferry that occasionally brings an island resident’s car, but which is more often filled with the pilgrims and tourists who come in their thousands to this wild and - at first sight - unremarkable island. The reason why so many are drawn to this small island that is only 1.61 km (1 mile) wide and 5.63 km (3.5 miles) long becomes apparent when you discover its history.

Formed from some of the oldest rock in the world, and looking as if it has been birthed from nearby Fingal’s cave on Staffa, it is said that the island was once filled with stone circles and that it was a centre of pagan religion long before Christianity reached its shores. One of its old names was Isla na Druidhneach - Isle of the Druids. The island, however, shows no traces of megalithic structures, but this may indicate that the island was indeed considered sacred. In 83 CE, Demetrius of Tarsus had been asked by the Roman Emperor to draw a map of the north of Scotland. Demetrius told Plutarch that on sailing around the coast he had discovered an island which was a retreat for holy men who were considered inviolate by the local people. Some scholars believe this island was Iona. The Arrival of Columba By the sixth century any reputation the island may have had for fostering pagan sages was eclipsed when the Christian missionary Columba arrived from Ireland with 12 companions.

He had taken the name Columba, Latin for dove, as a religious name, preferring it to the one he had been given at birth - Crimthann, Gaelic for fox. Having studied in monastic schools, Columba had founded the monastery of Derry in Ulster at the age of 25. He then travelled the length of Ireland for 15 years preaching and founding hundreds of churches and monasteries. At the age of 42 he left Ireland in search of fresh pastures for conversion. Some say he provoked a battle in which many were killed in a dispute over his right to keep a copy he had made of a psalter belonging to the scriptorium of St Finian. According to this version of history, Columba exiled himself from his homeland in order to work in penance as a missionary in Scotland. The thirteen Christians arrived in a coracle at the southern tip of the island, and set about creating a church and monastery complete with kitchen, kiln, stables, mill and guesthouse – all surrounded by a defensive bank and ditch that excluded both women and cattle since Columba believed "where there is a cow there is a woman, and where there is a woman there is mischief".

Despite these restrictions, the community prospered, new followers joined, and two years later Columba travelled to the mainland to successfully convert the king of the Picts, having first engaged in a magical battle with the king’s druid. Soon monks from Iona were travelling all over Scotland, building churches and preaching the gospel. Three prelates from Iona founded the monastery of Lindisfarne, which became the most important Christian centre in the north of Britain. Columba gained a reputation for both saintliness and strong leadership, and clan chiefs and kings eagerly sought his advice. On one occasion, in the earliest recorded mention of the Loch Ness monster, Columba was said to have saved a man’s life by ordering the creature to depart. The Book of Kells and the Stone of Destiny Today Iona seems remote from civilisation, but in Columba’s time the islands were centres of activity, since they were much easier to defend than mainland strongholds. The island became a power-house in the spread of the new religion.

Ionian monks produced the famous Book of Kells, and a tradition of royal burials developed so that 4 Irish, 8 Norwegian and 48 Scottish kings were laid to rest there, including Macbeth - made famous by Shakespeare. A legend reinforces the connection between royalty and the island by stating that the Lia Fail - also known as the Stone of Destiny, Stone of Scone or Coronation Stone - was brought to Iona by Columba, who then used it as a travelling altar on his missionary activities to the Scottish mainland. By the eighth century the island was being raided by the Vikings, and Kenneth McAlpine, the first king of the Scots, may have taken the stone for safe-keeping to Scone, near Perth, where it was used for coronations. By then Columba was long gone. He had died in 597 having prophesied, according to tradition: ‘In Iona of my heart, Iona of my love, instead of the chanting of monks shall be the lowing of cattle. But before the world comes to an end, Iona shall be as it was.’ In 806 the Vikings slaughtered 68 monks, and within twenty years the community had disbanded.

In 1098 the island fell for a time under Norwegian rule until 1156, and then in 1204 St Ronan established a Benedictine abbey and monastery on the site of Columba’s church while his sister Beathag established a nunnery nearby. Columba had apparently banished all women to the small island in the sound known to this day as the Isle of Women. The mounds of pebbles still found on the island are said to have been created in penance by those monks who had succumbed to their temptations, but now women were able to worship on Iona itself. On one wall of the nunnery ruins you can see the worn image of what was probably a Sheela-na-Gig – a squatting female figure displaying her genitals that is either a pagan fertility symbol or a medieval morality icon warning against the dangers of lust.

The Second Coming of Christ on Iona The spiritual associations between women and Iona are reinforced by the legend that Mary the mother of Jesus visited the island, and by a prophecy mentioned by the author William Sharp, writing as Fiona Macleod in 1910: "When I think of Iona I think often, too, of a prophecy once connected with Iona....the old prophecy that Christ shall come again upon Iona, and of that later and obscure prophecy which foretells, now as the Bride of Christ, now as the Daughter of God, now as the Divine Spirit embodied through mortal birth in a Woman, as once through mortal birth in a man, the coming of a new Presence and Power: and dream that this may be upon Iona, so that the little Gaelic island may become as the little Syrian Bethlehem.... A young Hebridean priest once told me how, 'as our forefathers and elders believed and still believe, that Holy Spirit shall come again which once was mortally born among us as the Son of God, but, then, shall be the Daughter of God. The Divine Spirit shall come again as a Woman.

Then for the first time the world will know peace'." Iona was admired by Dr Samuel Johnson when he spent the night in a barn on the island in 1773, and by Felix Mendelssohn who captured the atmosphere of the region in his Hebrides Overture, composed between 1830 and 1832. The Island Today In the modern period the island has taken on a new lease of life as a site of immense spiritual power. It has become a place of pilgrimage for Christians, Pagans, Druids and the followers of New Age beliefs who all feel drawn to its atmosphere. It has also once again become a centre for a vibrant expression of the Christian faith. As the twentieth century opened, work was begun on restoring the abbey ruins, and in 1938 the Rev George MacLeod founded The Iona Community, which continued the work of restoration by uniting craftsmen and trainee ministers. The Community has since grown to become an ecumenical group that is committed to seeking new ways of Christian expression. It is politically active, promoting the ideals of economic and ecological justice; it opposes nuclear weapons and campaigns against racism and the arms trade.

It is also active in inter-faith dialogue and in work with young people. Today, most visitors come to the island just for a few hours, touring the ruins of the nunnery and visiting the rebuilt abbey and the local shops before leaving. But to truly appreciate the unique atmosphere of Iona you need more time - to spend it away from the crowds and the buildings in the wild places of the island. Then, perhaps, you will agree with the words of Fiona Macleod: “None can understand it who does not see it through its pagan light, its Christian light, its singular blending of paganism and romance and spiritual beauty. There is, too, an Iona that is more than Gaelic, that is more than a place rainbow-lit with the seven desires of the world, the Iona that, if we will it so, is a mirror of your heart and of mine.” FURTHER QUOTES What is the magic in the name Iona which lures men and women from the far corners of the earth to the tiny rocky island off the west coast of Scotland? Surely not the scenery, for there is more magnificence on the mainland of Scotland. It must be something deeper.

Something knocking on the heart which speaks of mystery and holiness, of dreams and truths which have outlived time....There is an indescribable atmosphere in Iona as if a 'Presence' dwells in the hallowed soil of the tiny island which has been washed by the waters of prayer down through the ages. George and Helen Sandwith, The Miracle Hunters Do you, too, not hold Iona, motherland of all my dreams, as something rare and apart, one who has her own lovely solitude and her own solitary loveliness that is like no other loveliness? In your heart, as in mine, it lies an island of revelation and of peace. Fiona Macleod, The Winged Destiny: Studies in the Spiritual History of the Gael A few places in the world are to be held holy, because of the love which consecrates them and the faith which enshrines them. Their names are themselves talismans of spiritual beauty. Of these is Iona.... Fiona Macleod, Iona TIMELINE 2,700 Million years ago Iona is formed with some of the oldest rock on the planet – the hard crystalline Lewisian Gneiss.

400BC to 500 AD – The island may have been sacred to the Druids 563 AD - Columba and 12 companions land on Iona from Ireland 597 - Columba dies 794 - Vikings attack Iona for the first time 806 - Viking massacre of 68 monks 825 - Monastery virtually abandoned 849 - Columba’s relics removed and divided between Ireland and Scotland 1098 - Island surrendered to Magnus, King of Norway 1156 - The people of the Hebrides and the mainland west of the Great Glen create the “Lordship of the Isles”, controlled by Somerled, a Clan Donald Chieftain who had defeated local Norse rulers. 1200-1204 - Benedictine abbey built on site of Columba’s original settlement. 1207 - A nunnery is founded in addition to a monastery. 1561-1574 - The Monastery and nunnery close down under the Reformation. Some nuns may have continued to live on the island in a cave.

1902 - Work begins on rebuilding the derelict abbey 1938 - The Rev George Macleod founds the Iona Community, which restores the remaining abbey buildings, and creates a thriving Christian community. 1965 - Abbey restoration complete 1960’s - From about this time Iona becomes a place of pilgrimage for alternative spiritual seekers, such as contemporary Druids and Pagans, as well as Christians. St. Oran's Cemetery, Isle of Iona - TripAdvisor Want the lowest hotel prices? You're in the right place. We check 200+ sites for you. St. Oran's Cemetery, Isle of Iona 5-star Hotels in Isle of Iona 4-star Hotels in Isle of Iona Does this attraction provide visitors with a taste of the local culture? Yes Is this attraction exciting, unusual, or risky to visit? Yes Is this attraction pet friendly? Yes Would this be a good cold day activity? Yes Is this an outdoor attraction or activity? Yes Is this attraction popular with locals? Yes Is this attraction wheelchair accessible? Yes Do you find this attraction suitable for young children? Yes Do you find this attraction suitable for families?

Yes Is this attraction accessible using public transportation? Yes Map updates are paused. Zoom in to see updated info. Reset zoom Description: Some of the biggest names in Scottish royalty have been buried here since... Some of the biggest names in Scottish royalty have been buried here since Scotland's earliest days. read more Terrible “Graveyards are cool” Walk in the shadow of great men and women of faith. It is a must see as you visit Iona and the monastery. I loved the solemnity and solitude. Reviewed November 24, 2016 51 Reviews from our TripAdvisor Community Which Isle of Iona hotels are on sale? mm/dd/yyyy mm/dd/yyyy Sponsored links * Read reviews that mention: All reviews buried here burial place labour party john smith burial ground iona abbey short visit scottish kings small chapel worth a visit leader macbeth inscriptions mp shakespeare preserve followers lords death legend Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Start your review of St. Oran's Cemetery Click to rate “Graveyards are cool” Reviewed November 24, 2016 Walk in the shadow of great men and women of faith. It is a must see as you visit Iona and the monastery.

I loved the solemnity and solitude. Helpful? “Cemetery of Kings” Reviewed October 14, 2016 The cemetery is known as Relig Odhrain. Named after one of St Columba's followers, Odhrain or Oran, who according to the legend volunteered to be buried alive as a sacrifice to prevent the walls of the first church built here from falling down. What concerned me was that around 30 of the most important grave markers and carved stones have... More Helpful? “Worth a Visit” Reviewed September 14, 2016 This cemetery is reputed to be the burial location for many of the kings of Norway and Scotland, including Macbeth. Whether or not this is true or not, it is certainly interesting and historical. St. Oran's chapel is also located here and both are free. Helpful? Reviewed September 7, 2016 via mobile Always interesting to wander through and admire the history of what is buried here. So refreshing to see that cemeteries are respected. There was a plaque describing some of the notable people buried here that also explained just how violent some of the clans were in times gone by.

Takes about 5-10minutes to wander through. Helpful? “Great History” Reviewed August 30, 2016 After visiting you fully appreciate the location and desire for people to be buried here. The gravestones indicate in detail the history of Iona. Helpful? “Said to be the burial place of Macbeth- no signs of” Reviewed August 24, 2016 This cemetery is the final resting place of the Labour leader John Smith. It offers a historical perspective of Iona Abbey and is said to be the burial place of many nobles. It is still in use. Some of the head stones are of interest from a human story point of view. The chapel has some fine old grave stone... More Helpful? “Fascinating burial place” Reviewed July 30, 2016 The last resting place of kings, many of the older gravestones from here have been placed in the Iona Abbey museum, but lots of interesting ones still remain. John Smith, former leader of the Labour Party, is buried here, and people have marked his grave with pebbles. Helpful?

“Incredibly historical place” Reviewed July 29, 2016 The cemetery is situated right beside the reconstructed Abbey of St. Colm Cille, but is free to the public. It has been a burial ground since at least 600ad, and it is said that many kings, warriors and various important people are interred there. A fascinating place, and nice, if unusual, place for a picnic. Helpful? “Many of the impressive memorial stones are now displayed at the Abbey museum” Reviewed July 21, 2016 The burial ground, Reilig Odhrain, was consecrated at the time St Columba founded the influential Iona Abbey around AD 563 and whilst legend has it that early Scottish Kings are buried here, up to and including MacBeth of Shakespeare fame, this cannot be confirmed. What is certain is the reference to the Kings of The Isles (or the Lords of... More Helpful? Iona Community - Iona Abbey, Iona Traveller Reviews - TripAdvisor “Iona Community” Reviewed 21 March 2016 Visiting the Iona Community was one of the best experiences.

I got to know people from all over the world, and the island is fantastic. I have never felt as relaxed as I felt visiting the Iona Community. I spent a week there visiting places on the island, visiting the church, singing in the choir, visiting other islands, and getting to know the other people also visiting the community. Because the island is a bit off, my phone didn't have any reception, so I never used my phone, which was very relaxing. Instead I got to experience the beautiful nature and spending my time crafting, reading and talking to people, and just be in the moment. That rarely happens nowadays, and it felt awesome! I would definitely want to go there again! Visited June 2015 “A truly sacred place.” Reviewed 23 February 2016 We have just come back from Mull and Iona and our eyes are full of beauty and wonder. Iona, in particular, is a magical place. In spite of the shortness of our visit, we were so lucky to experience the beauty and holiness of the island.

One can understand how Saint Columba, arriving from Ireland, fell in love with this extraordinary place, where the sea is turquoise, the sand as white as snow and the light so pure. The views over the sea and over to the mountains of Mull are breathtaking. The Abbey is such a peaceful and beautiful place with a glorious cloister, a haven against the inclemency of the elements. The Celtic crosses (the actual motif of the Celtic cross, perhaps a mix of two faiths, the Christian cross mixed with the solar disc of local Paganism) and the extraordinary Book of Kells were created here. The Abbey is very special and the museum very informative. The recorded guide to the visit is really worth taking (it's free with the ticket to visit the Abbey), as it helps you travel in time to experience a bit of the atmosphere of the early Saint Columba years and of those of the later Benedictine monks. After the visit, do walk North to the extraordinary beaches where the veil between this world and the spiritual world really does feel very thin indeed (as George MacLeod said when he set up his Iona Community and rebuilt the ruined Abbey in the 20th century). Highly recommended!

St Columba and the Iona Community | The Anglican Cathedral of Second Life The Anglican Cathedral of Second Life by Helene Milena 3 Comments In the service at 2pm SLT today we remembered St Columba, who travelled from Ireland to found a monastery on Iona which still has a religious community on it over 1400 years later. Learn more about Columba in the sermon that follows. The readings were Psalm 119:129-136, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Matthew 5:13-16. Cephus and Aelred gave the readings. Today is the feast day of St Columba who was born of royal blood at Garton, in County Donegal, in north Ireland in 521. His name means dove. He acquired the name Columkille which means Colum of the cells or churches. The priest who baptised him at Temple Douglas became his foster father and tutor during his early years. As soon as he was old enough he went to St. Finnian’s training school at Moville.

At the age of about twenty, already a deacon in the church, he moved to study with Gemman who was a bard, and so became a poet himself. He moved on again to Clonard, a famous monastic school run by another Finnian who later acquired the title of ‘tutor of Erin’s saints’. This school must have given him a very rich experience as there were up to 3000 students there from Scotland, Ireland, Wales and parts of Europe. It is here that Columba was ordained priest at the age of 25. It seems that Columba was an impressive person. He is said to have been tall and of powerful build. His voice was loud and melodious, and carried so well that it could be heard from hilltop to hilltop. It seems he gathered disciples quickly and founded many monasteries over the next 15 years including Derry, Durrow and Kells. I suppose, had things worked out as well as they looked set to do, he would have continued in this way, passing his days as a much loved abbot in his native land of Ireland. Unfortunately there seems to have been a dispute with King Dermot.

Columba had a love of books and spent much of his time copying Psalters and Bibles for his monks. He managed to get sight of a copy of St Jerome’s Psalter which had been brought from Rome by Finnian. He secretly made a copy of it and that annoyed Finnian. The king ruled that Finnian should have the copy as well as the original. Later King Dermot’s men dragged away and killed Prince Curnan who was claiming sanctuary with Columba. War broke out between Columba’s clan and Dermot’s, which Columba won, but which led to thousands dying. It seems that Columba’s name meaning ‘dove’ did nothing to alter his fierce temper! After the war a church synod condemned Columba and wanted to excommunicate him for what he had done. St Brendan intervened to prevent this. Columba decided that he would atone for his offence by going into exile and committing to win the same number of people to Christ as those who had died. In 563 Columba set sail in a leather covered coracle with twelve followers and landed on the island of Iona on the eve of Pentecost, 12th May.

There he built a stone cross and carried on to build a monastery. The position of Iona was ideal for reaching both the northern Picts and the southern Scots. After two years on Iona he headed north towards the kingdom of King Brude. He passed by the River Ness and the story is told of how he drove a great monster from the river into Loch Ness where it could do no harm. As you know, people still camp on the banks of the loch in the hope of catching sight of the Loch Ness Monster. When Columba and his colleagues Comgall and Kenneth reached the castle of King Brude, the gates were bolted against them. The king had given orders that they were not to be admitted. Columba is said to have made the sign of the cross which resulted in the bolts drawing themselves back and the gates opening. King Brude was so impressed by the power displayed by Columba that he listened to what he had to say and chose to be baptised, soon to be followed by his people. Iona became a centre of culture and conversion with people from all over Europe visiting it to seek wisdom, prophecies and miracles from Columba. Both rich and poor travelled there.

For centuries after Columba’s death, Iona was known as a centre for Christian learning. Columba travelled widely on missionary journeys but when in his cell on Iona, he lived a very simple life. He is said to have slept on bare rock and to have restricted his diet to barley or oat cakes and water. Once he was too old to travel he returned to copying out manuscripts as he had done as young man. He is said to have copied out 300 books in his lifetime. Columba was visited by angels four years before he died, who told him that the prayers of the believers he had converted had moved God to allow him to stay on earth for four more years. He was open about when he would die and on the day before his death, having just written the words “They that love the Lord shall lack no good thing”, he stopped and said that his cousin and successor Baithin could finish it. He climbed the hill overlooking the monastery to bless it.

He said to his disciple Diermit: “This day is called the Sabbath, that is, the day of rest, and such will it truly be to me, for it will put an end to my labours.” He was the first to arrive in the church at midnight between 8th and 9th June 597. He was found by the monks dying there. With the help of Diermit he raised his hand to bless the monks and died, aged 77. A century or so later, Adamnan wrote Columba’s biography and describes him in this way: “He had the face of an angel; he was of excellent nature, polished in speech, holy in deed, great in council. He never let a single hour pass without engaging in prayer or reading or writing or some other occupation. He endured the hardships of fasting and vigils without intermission by day and night; the burden of a single one of his labours would have seemed beyond the powers of man.

And, in the midst of all his toils, he appeared loving unto all, serene and holy, rejoicing in the joy of the Holy Spirit in his inmost heart.” The Iona Community which Columba founded has been in existence for over 1400 years and still attracts pilgrims from all over the world. The place is so important that 48 Scottish kings are buried on the island. I think the risk of looking at the lives of saints is that it makes us feel inadequate. We see Jesus’ instruction to be salt and light and tend to think that it’s ok for saints but not for us, as we just don’t have what it takes. When you look at Columba’s story, he wasn’t all sweetness and light really. Maybe he was saintly at the end of his life but he went to war and nearly got excommunicated as a result earlier. It may be of course that he felt justified in what he did. Maybe he would have done it again without a second thought. Nevertheless, many people died as the result of his choice, something that is unlikely to be the case for many of us.

The good thing is that God continued to use him to reach people and to found the wonderful community on Iona. God also transformed Columba throughout his life, which is what he will do for us also. It’s wise not to get too hung up on the word ‘saint’ and allow ourselves to be incapacitated by it. It doesn’t mean someone with a golden halo and a beatific smile. It just means a believer, like you and me. God can use us just as much as he used Columba. Helene Milena

Question: Which saint set up a community on the island of Iona?
Answer: St Columba