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.