It was pretty much a rainy, windy day here on Iona today. The sun didn’t come out until after 3:00 PM and the wind has not let up. As I was moving from the hotel to a house I also didn’t get out to do too much photographing. It was a good day to do a little reflecting on Iona itself. It is only 1.5 miles wide by 3 miles long, with a population of around 170 permanent residents. There has always been a creative thread to life on Iona and art in many forms thrives today.
The historical and spiritual significance of this small island cannot be understated. The famous manuscript known as the Book of Kells was created by esrly monks on Iona and only was taken to Ireland when it was in danger of being destroyed by the Vikings. In 563 AD, Irish missionary monks Columba and Oran, came to Iona to evangelize the Picts. Oran was the first monk to be buried on Iona and a small stone chapel was erected over his grave. (See previous daily note). Around the eight century skilled masons began to carve huge elaborate free-standing crosses. The Abbey museum houses the ruins of the most famous of them, St. John’s Cross, and a replica has been erected in the front of the Abbey.
Iona harbors a rich collection of early Christian carved grave slabs many of them commissioned by the mighty warriors of the Lords of the Isles. They are on display along the walls of the Cloisters of the Abbey, the most significant of them being that of Angus Og, a direct descendant of Somerled, who assisted Robert the Bruce in the Battle of Bannockburn. The slabs in the Abbey date to the 1300 to 1500’s.
Iona is a walking island – only residents are permitted to have cars though special permits to bring a car on the island can be obtained for legitimate reasons. Walking around the island is an exercise in awe as the landscape unfolds before you. There are a few shops where you can purchase local crafts as well as high end jewelry and textiles. There are two hotels, several B&B’s and self-catering houses, all of which fill up quickly during the season. Many people simply come for the day as the ferry runs throughout the day until 6 PM and the crossing of the sound takes only about 10 minutes. It is a peaceful place and a great location for reflection and regeneration of the spirit.
