The Secrets of Iona - Part 1, Isle of Mull

Written by Hooked on Mull

Published on 16th January 2020

That man is little to be envied whose patriotism would not gain force upon the plains of Marathon, or whose piety would not grow warmer amid the ruins of Iona.
Samuel Johnson

The Island of Iona is highly regarded as one of Scotlands most sacred religious sites. Widely respected as the birthplace of Christianity, the history of Iona is a fascinating story fused with both fact and legend.

Saint Columba (7 December 521 – 9 June 597)

Around 563AD, Saint Columba, an Irish Abbot and missionary Evangelist, along with twelve of his disciples travelled from their homeland in Ireland to Scotland to spread the Christian word. They were thought to have first landed in Kintyre, before settling on Iona, off the east coast of the Isle of Mull.

Before the birth of Christianity, Scotland was predominately Pagan, and Iona was an Island already steeped in religious Pagan history, including sun worship. The island, however, famous for its tranquility, white beaches, rugged landscape and crystal clear waters, obviously captivated St Columba as he chose Iona to build the first Christian abbey which was founded as the base for spreading Celtic Christianity throughout the Hebrides and into Scotland.

There are many accounts of miracles performed by Saint Columba during his evangelical quest to convert the Scottish. One of the most famous being the entrapment of a voracious sea creature that he banished to the depths of the River Ness after the beast tried to kill a local Scotsman and one of his disciples.

St Columba’s Abbey on Iona was so revered that it was declared a Cathedral in 1500, but just 60 years later the abbey and the monastic buildings built by the Saint and his disciples were demolished during the reformation. Sadly, several sacred religious artefacts and precious documents housed at the abbey were also lost, even the most precious that were taken from the abbey to hide in secret were thought to have been found and destroyed at the hands of Cromwell.

Iona Facts. Did you know?

There were once 350 stone crosses standing proud on Iona, but only three still stand today.

Over 40 Scottish kings lie buried on Iona due to its religious significance. Their memorials can now be seen in abbey museum.

Following the reformation the Abbey stood in ruins until in 1899. Restoration began when the Duke of Argyll handed ownership of the ruins to the Church of Scotland who brought the Abbey back to full working use by 1910. Alongside this, Dr George MacLeod set up a group called the Iona Community who reconstructed the monastic buildings, thus restoring a large part of this significant site to its former glory. Find out more about the Iona Community here.

Discovering Iona’s secrets

Iona’s population today stands at approximately 120 permanent residents. However, Iona is inevitably busy during the popular summer months and you can expect to share the island experience with substantial tourist numbers. To discover the true secrets of Iona we’d recommend visiting off season during the quieter period to fully experience its beauty and significance.

In part two of Secrets of Iona we delve into then history of Dun I and the Well of Eternal Youth.

If you’d like to visit Iona and explore more of the Isle of Mull with the help of an experienced and knowledgable guide we’d highly recommend a speciality break at Benmore Estate. The upcoming ‘Exploring Mull and Iona’ is an all inclusive luxury guided holiday, with a bespoke itinerary designed to ensure you get the most out of your stay on the island. A private voyage onboard Benmore Lady to Iona, via Staffa and the Fossil Tree on Burg, and the easy walk to the historical Abbey and Nunnery will give you plenty to discuss in the comforts of Knock House (An exclusive sporting lodge located in the heart of the Isle of Mull and your base for the week.) Find out more about Mull Luxury Breaks here.

If you like more information on the upcoming Luxury Mull Breaks please sign up to our mailing list or contact us on T: +44 (0) 1680 300 229 E: enquiries@benmoreestate.com