Iona

Pilgrimage

Whether religious or not, I think there can be a real sense of pilgrimage when visiting Iona.

“May Peace Prevail On Earth”

The “peace stick” was written in several languages.

History

Historically, Iona was the burial ground of Ancient Scottish, some Norwegian and some Irish Kings. Recognised as the place where, around the year 563 AD, St Columba first set foot on what is now Scottish soil and established a monastery bringing Christianity to the Picts. In modern times, it’s still a place for those who seek tranquillity through a spiritual experience of peace and love.

Iona from the ferry slipway.

Of course most travellers on the ferry from Fionnphort on the Isle of Mull across to Iona were simply tourists, like myself or locals going about their daily life but there were clearly those for whom the trip had deeper meaning, which brought a significance to the trip that would not normally be present at many tourist destinations.

The Caledonian MacBrayne ferry “Loch Buie” at Iona slip.

The weather produced some of the most peculiar lighting that day for the photographs. It started out dull and overcast but developed into a very humid atmosphere with a very strange light for the middle of a summer’s day (August 2004).

Iona Abbey

Sadly the famous Iona Abbey had scaffolding up (that’s becoming the “story of my life”) and the sky was still very overcast.

Iona Abbey

The present Abbey building dates from 1203 AD. A friend pointed out to me that a few years of inconvenience to ensure the preservation of such an important historic site is a small price to pay. I guess he’s right and I need to go back when the work is finished and on a sunnier day too.

John Smith

I’m not very “party political” but I found it a touching experience to visit the grave of John Smith, the leader of the Labour Party who died tragically too young, while in opposition to a floundering Tory government. His untimely passing denied him the almost certain prospect of becoming the next British Prime Minister and the course of political history in the UK has undoubtedly, in my mind, taken a different course through his successor, Tony Blair and the emergence of “New Labour”.

Unlike so many in British politics he seemed to command respect across the political divisions and be known as a man of integrity. Something that’s so sadly lacking in recent times.

The tombstone of John Smith, Leader of the Labour Party.

Few are afforded the honour to be buried in such a place. His simple epitaph, “An Honest Man’s The Noblest Work Of God”.

Tourism

Apart from the magnificent scenery, the Abbey and all the historical aspects, it’s a small island and there isn’t very much more for a “day tourist” to do on a short trip.

Except for locals, cars are banned.

Of course there are walks, bike hire, boat trips and there is accommodation for those wishing to stay.

For those with specific interests there are opportunities to go sea angling, wildlife & whale watching or visit some of the other remote and uninhabited islands.

It’s perhaps a “busy” place for lots of people looking for isolation, which is self defeating. None-the-less it’s known as a lovely, peaceful place to visit.

Spirituality

“The ‘Iona Community’ is a dispersed Christian ecumenical community working for peace and social justice, rebuilding of community and the renewal of worship.” (Quoted from their website.)

Through the “Iona Community” there continues to be a religious and spiritual character to the island. The sphere of influence of the movement is known and respected in religious circles far beyond Iona.

The Light

Turning back, the views from the ferry slipway across Iona Sound were magical. The water was so clear and calm. There were hues in the sky that are hard to describe. So peaceful.

I’m not sure this web sized image adequately captures the mood but hopefully there is a hint of it.

Iona Sound

Iona is steeped in history and culture. Whether you are religious or not, there certainly is something “spiritual” there.

These photographs were taken using a Fujifilm S2. Shot in RAW and processed in Photoshop CS2 ACR2.4

All the photographs were taken by Scottish photographer Norman Young and are copyright ©. Please respect copyright.