On May 23,
we had a bus ride across the Isle of Mull and took the
ferry to the Isle of Iona. Our Tour Director, Gordon Tait,
handed us a rough sketch which he guaranteed was an
accurate Map of Iona (perfectly to scale, etc.)
Most of the
tour group started at the Abbot's House and the Abbey or
Cathedral on the furthest part of the island. The appearance
had changed since our trip in 1974. We appreciated the signs
and information. The fields around the abbey did not escape
Pat's attention.
The graves of
kings and St Oran's Chapel were in an enclosure beside the
Abbey. Many of the inscriptions were impossible to read due to
exposure to the elements over the centuries. Many kings from
early Alba, Scotland and Norway were buried here.
On our walk
towards the ruins of the 13th century nunnery, we passed the
St. Columba Hotel and its well-kept garden.
West of the
15th century MacLean's cross, we also took pictures of the
St Ronan's Church and the parish church. St Ronan's
Church, an oblong building of red and grey stone, served
as the parish church of Iona from around 1200 until the
Reformation in 1560. Thereafter islanders had no formal
place of worship until a new parish church was built in
1828. St Ronan's Church was restored in 1923 and again in
1993, and is not accessible to the public.
The nunnery was
founded in the 11th century by Reginald, son of Somerled of
the Isles, and his sister Bethoc (Beatrice) was the first
prioress. Unlike the remaining abbey buildings, it has not
been restored since being made derelict during the
Reformation.
The timing
was perfect! Pat and Doug took different paths to cover the
island, and eventually met back at the Martyr's Bay
Restaurant. We had time for a light lunch and a few final
photos before the ferry arrived.
