Impressions of Iona
The island of Iona lies just a ten minute ferry ride from the Isle of Mull and is a place of spiritual importance to many people. It is said to be a 'thin' place - where our day to day world comes close to the spiritual world. Saint Columba arrived here bringing christianity to Scotland in AD 563, founding the abbey. Apart from the abbey and associated buildings and notable graveyard, the island has wonderful beaches and hills for walking. The island is about 6km long in total, but most visitors don't stray far from the village and abbey.
Inside the Abbey.The ferns are real! I was told it is Sea Spleenwort, and draws its moisture from the humid air (Ican vouch for the humidity, aka Rain!)
Replica of Saint John's cross, just outside Columba's chapel (Believed burial place)
The actual cross is in the adjoining museum. This is believed to be the first 'celtic'cross inexistence (one with a circle inside the cross) and has carvings on all faces which become visible as the light changes - originally as the sun journeys through the sky.
Scary tomb!
From the north end of Iona you can look across to Staffa (of Fingal's Cave fame. Our planned visit there was called off because of bad weather 😌)
Crossing the hills to the south end of the island.
Iona Marble was used for many prestigious religious artifacts. The marble has all been worked out now, but the atmospheric quarry remains are a great subject.
Crossing back over the moors, the heather was in full bloom.