Scotland

Iona

Tiny island off Mull's western tip; the spiritual cradle of Christianity in Scotland and home to Iona Abbey.

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Iona

Part of the Scotland islands map and the Inner Hebrides collection.

Names

Scottish Gaelic: Ì Chaluim Chille; Irish: Í Chaluim Chille; Welsh: Iona

Geography

Just 1.5 miles wide, with white shell-sand beaches and the marble quarry at the southern tip.

Geology

Bedrock: Lewisian Complex (Gneiss), Archaean–Proterozoic. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026, licensed under the BGS Open Data Licence (OGL v3.0). Source: BGS DigMapGB-625 Bedrock & Superficial WMS.

History

St Columba founded a monastery here in 563 AD. The Book of Kells is thought to have originated on Iona.

How to reach it

Passenger ferry from Fionnphort on Mull (10-minute crossing). No private cars allowed for visitors.

Accommodation

Limited to a couple of hotels and a handful of B&Bs and self-catering cottages — book well ahead.

Nearby and related islands

Sources

Last reviewed: 2026-08-13.