Iona

Also known as Isle of Iona

Iona is an island in the Inner Hebrides, off the Ross of Mull on the western coast of Scotland. It is mainly known for Iona Abbey, though there are other buildings on the island. Iona Abbey was a centre of Gaelic monasticism for three centuries and is today known for its relative tranquility and natural environment. It is a tourist destination and a place for spiritual retreats. Its modern Scottish Gaelic name means "Iona of (Saint) Columba" (formerly anglicised as "Icolmkill").

Key facts

Scottish island.location_map: Scotland Isle of Mull#United Kingdom
Scottish island.caption: Iona shown relative to Mull##Iona shown on a map of Great Britain and Ireland
Scottish island.GridReference: NM275245
Scottish island.celtic name: Ì Chaluim Chille
Scottish island.Image: Iona (15020668711).jpg
Scottish island.ImageCaption: Baile Mòr, with the Abbey, seen from the harbour
Scottish island.area rank: 56
Scottish island.highest elevation: Dùn Ì,
Scottish island.Population: 178
Scottish island.population rank: 35=
Scottish island.main settlement: Baile Mòr
Scottish island.island group

Article

26 sections

Contents

Etymology
Folk etymology
Geology
Geography
Subdivision
History
Dál Riata
Kingdom of the Isles
Kingdom of Scotland
Post-Union
Iona Abbey
Marble quarry remains
Present day
Iona Community
Transport
Tourism
Iona in Scottish painting
Media and the arts
Gallery
See also
Footnotes
References
Sources
Citations
Further reading
External links

Iona's resident population is about 180. In March 1980, the Hugh Fraser Foundation donated much of the main island (and its off-lying islands) to the current owner, the National Trust for Scotland. The abbey and some church buildings are owned by the Iona Cathedral Trust.