The wind has been relentless but at least today the sun returned and it was time to brave the elements.  There was a beautiful rainbow to greet the day. Explored one of the beaches at the north end of Iona, Traigh Ban Nam Monach which is Gaelic for ‘white strand of the monks’.  The White Strand of the Monks where I walked today hides a tragic history – in the tenth century there was a bloodthirsty Norse massacre of some of the Abbey’s monks. The Vikings stole treasures, burned down the monastery and massacred the monks.  Iona Abbey was first attacked by Vikings in 795, with subsequent attacks taking place in 802, 806, and 825. Following the fourth raid the men decided to abandon the site and live at the monastery at Kells in Ireland.  By the second half of the 10^th century the monks had returned. To Iona and the monastery was again serving as the head of a monastic federation which included Kells.  The White Strand of the Monks where I walked today hides a tragic history – in the tenth century there was a bloodthirsty Norse massacre of some of the Abbey’s monks. The Vikings stole treasures, burned down the monastery and massacred the monks.  More information on this period of Iona history is found here.

Walking along this beautiful stretch of beach on Iona’s north end it is difficult to imagine the time when the Viking raids and bloodthirsty battles were raging in this part of the world.  What struck me as most interesting was the vast amount of seaweed on the beach and the composition and appearance of this marine plant. It was yet another incredible piece of nature and I found it a bit mind boggling to think that this seaweed was alive in the sea. In fact, seaweed farming has taken root in Iona at a community owned initiative the Aird Fada Seaweed Farm in Loch Scridain off the Ross of Mull. The farm was establishdd in 2021 and cultivates various species of kelp such as Sugar Kelp and Winged Kelp.  What I especially like about this endeavour is that local fishermen and community members are involved in the farm’s operations.  More information.

.