Iona, the tiny island off Mull, off the west coast of Scotland, is known as being the island where St. Columba and his 12 disciples landed from Ireland in AD 563 and spread the word of Christianity to Scotland and beyond. As such, it is an important centre for pilgrims who flock to Iona once a year. In fact, many Kings of Scotland, Norway and Ireland are buried on Iona.

It is unbelievably small and picturesque and runs 3 miles from north to south and 1½ miles from east to west. Whilst cars are not allowed on Iona, it is possible to visit by ferry from Mull. There are two hotels which can be contacted by internet: the Argyll Hotel reception@argyllhoteliona.co.uk and the St Columba Hotel columba@btconnect.com.

Iona is very green and peaceful; it has a wonderfully serene feel to the island, one of calm. There is an Abbey and a Nunnery that hold what is believed to be some of the most complete collection of Christian carved stones in Scotland, ranging in age from 600AD to the 1600s.

To see: there is St Columbus' restored monastery, shops, a post office, hotels, a golf course, an old marble quarry, gorgeous sandy beaches, walking paths and plenty of wild life to see.