Traveling to the Island of Iona in Scotland

Hello Everyone,

Are you ready to see more of Scotland with me?

The coach started on the journey from Glasgow to Oban at nine in the morning of June 13th. We arrived in Oban at noon.  Oban is a town in Argyll county and is famous for Oban Single malt scotch whisky.

Some folks went to the Distillery

And some went to have 'White Coffee' and the most delicious 'Cream Scone' That would be me.

Just the most fabulous scone I have ever eaten.  

I love Scones!!! a red letter day

This is the coast line leaving Oban.

After lunch we boarded the ferry at Oban and sailed to the Isle of Mull and landed in the harbor of Craignure. Then a scenic coach tour through the Isle of Mull to Fionnphort where we boarded a ferry for Iona.

My first sight was the sandy beach and the lawn in front of the Argyll Hotel where some stayed the night.

Iona is 3.5 miles long and 1.5 miles across.

Later in the afternoon Three Ladies Go Traveling sat on that green lawn and had tea! WOW~

 We had all our meals at this Hotel.  Wonderful food and service.

We have three cups of tea.  Would you like to join us?  I will call for another cup for you.

The Scottish west coast can have bad weather. But we were so blessed.  Two beautiful days on the Island of Iona. 

We watched our ferry make the 10 minute trip back to the town of Fionnphort, on the Isle of Mull.

The Island of Iona has 70 permanent residents.  But 500,000 visitors visit Iona each year. 

The monastic community on Iona was founded in 563 AD by (St Columba) from Ireland, who was driven out of his homeland, Ireland, in the 6th c. and settled on the Isle of Iona, with his monks; the nearest point to Ireland from which he could not see his homeland.

This was the home of Celtic Christianity for six hundred years until King David suppressed Celtic Christianity in the the twelfth century.  Iona remained a major pilgrimage site until the reformation when the island was sacked and the community scattered.  In the early twentieth century, the abbey was rebuilt and a new monastic community has begun here, providing much of the visitors to the island. 

Celtic Cross on the Isle of Iona

A Celtic Cross 

'Argyll Sheep'

Walking from the settlement up to the Abbey I watched the sheep in the pasture and looked out to the sea and realized what a wonderful, peaceful place I'm visiting for just a few days.

A pristine quality of light and a thoughtful peace pervade the tiny community. 

Iona is a perfect place for meditation. 

The Island was so important that it was the legendary burial place for ancient Scottish Kings.



Well I'm off to write another post about the next stop. Edinburgh and back to England.

I hope you have enjoyed your visit to My Cozy Corner.

I'm joining

Outdoor Wednesday @ A Southern Daydreamer

and

Wayfaring Wednesday @ Decor to Adore

Please link back and enjoy many outdoor activities.

xo

Betty