The Isle of Iona
Iona lies a mile off the coast of Mull and is some three and a half miles long and one and a half at its widest point. The island has been in the care of the National Trust since 1979.
Iona is geologically different from its neighbour and is low lying, easy walking takes you past the best preserved medieval nunneries in Britain which was built in the early 1200′s by Reginald MacDonald of Islay.
Beyond is the world famous Iona Abbey, passing through the gate on your right is Relig Odhràin & St Oran’s Chapel: the oldest religious building on Iona. Beyond is an older graveyard, the resting place of generations of Scottish Kings.
The abbey is the highlight of most visitors to Iona, which stood as a decaying ruin from the late 1500′s until the Duke of Argyll started preservation work in 1874. Ownership transferred to the Iona Cathedral Trust and restoration work started in 1902 and was completed in 1965, the abbey is now in the care of Historic Scotland.
Iona is an enchanting island and visitors should take time to explore the island. Samuel Peploe first painted here in 1920 together with fellow Scottish Colourist F.C.B. Cadell. Both artists returned most summers, fascinated by the island’s light and dramatic, changeable weather.
