Iona: The Spiritual Isle

 Many ancient Celts describes Iona as a thin place; a place where the veil between heaven and earth is lifted and a place where mere mortals can get a glimse of the Divine. The island Iona is one of spirit, faith and healing. Many pilgrims go to Iona to rest, reflect and walk in the footsteps of the Irish missionary Saint Columbar, who founded a monastry on the island many years ago. Columbar's work is also credited to the vast spread of Christianity throughout the British Isles.

The island is stocked full of ancient Cristian crosses and aged, delapetated churches. Getting to the island, you need to take a 45 minute ferry ride from Oban to Craignure. Then you need to drive to Fionnphort Ferry terminal where it takes you 10 minutes to get to Iona. Apart from the history rich churches and monuments, the landscape is one not to forget. Because of the seaweed and kelp that keeps landing on the shore, the island's shore line has a distict smell of salty ocean water and seaweed. The island's estimated population is 120 and the main source of it's income comes from tourists. Annually the island gets around 130 000 visitors. 

The island's history isn't all sunshine and rainbows. In the years 795, 802, 806 and 825 the island was attacked by vikings looking for riches and gold. On the island there is a small village, with only the essentials (shop, primary school, post office, etc.). Because of the island's deep roots in Christianity, Iona is still a popular place for modern Christians who wants to study the Holy Book indepth and pray in solitude. The island is important for so many reasons for so many people. I hope that the island will stand the testament of time and stay a place for pilgrims and historians alike to study and visit for years to come.