Iona Village
The village on Iona, taken from the ferry. Only about a hundred people live on the island year round. It is one of the quietest places on earth, with few cars (only owned by residents).
Photos from Bob's trip to the Isle of Iona in Scotland in July, 2006.
The village on Iona, taken from the ferry. Only about a hundred people live on the island year round. It is one of the quietest places on earth, with few cars (only owned by residents).
This picture was taken from the Fionnphort (finna fort) to Iona Ferry. The Abbey is on the left and Dun I is the tall rocky hill.
A Caledonian-MacBrayne Ferry pulls into Oban, the port town. From here you change from train to ferry for the 45 minute ride across to the Isle of Mull. You take an hour plus bus ride across Mull on a one-lane road, then another short ferry ride to Iona. It truly is a pilgrimage to get to Iona!
The oldest building on the Isle of Iona is St. Oran's Chapel, dating to the late twelfth century.
The Dun Craig ecumenical retreat house--my home on Iona. Great accomodations with shared meals and chores, wonderful conversation and Scottish hospitality.
High stone cross in front of the Abbey. The high crosses were meeting places and pulpits in medieval Celtic Christianity. This cross has stood here for a thousand years.
A view from the top of Dun I (dun ee), the tallest point on the island. The view is looking toward the village and Abbey. Notice the ferry pulling into the jetty.
Pure Scottish golf the way it was meant to be played--with sheep and cattle as natural obstructions. "Chipping" here has a whole different meaning.
The Iona Abbey was constructed by the Benedictines in the early 13th century. It is now the home of the Iona Community. I worshipped here twice a day during my pilgrimage and was blessed by the great music and wonderful hospitality. You cannot feel like a stranger here!
