Iona

Suns out. Grab the sunscreen and into the bus. Let’s go to Iona, a tiny Island just off the coast of Mull. There is a 10 minute ferry trip .We have to be there in 90  minutes. Go,go. The bus is swaying. Bump, up and down.Fasten your seat belt. You are on a bus that is pretending to be a roller coaster.

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Welcome to Iona. Do you remember Holy Island? Well this island had the same Irish priest come and convince the the Scottish Picts to become Christians. Dominating the tiny island  is the Abbey and ruins of a nunnery. Over the years, Vikings attacked the Abbey and sailed off with its treasures.Surviving this, the Abbey grew until the Reformation in 1560. It was ransacked.  Left to nature, the buildings began to deteriorate. Restoration started , stopped, started again and finally was finished in 1965. Now  it  is  looked  after  by  Scottish heritage.

Got your singing voice, we are going to church. A sermon on the Good Samaritan and prayers on friendship, perfect for a church full of travellers but relevant to the locals as well.

The buildings are made of stone. Simple sculptures adorn the top of the cloisters . The nunnery building is being stabilised ,but has not been restored yet. Not married, family doesn’t need you, widowed with no support, husband tired of you, pregnant and unwed, welcome. All were greeted and accepted. They all contributed to the community and were financially independent.It is amazing for the times, that women who would be shunned by their society could find safety here.

Here and there , we can walk. You can walk around the whole Island in no time at all but i think the shops are beckoning. Look at me! I have lovely silver and pewter jewellery. Wool, knitwear  available in every colour. You will definitely have  a unique memory. Expensive? No ? Yes, save your money as there is always something else.

Let’s head back. A quieter trip back to the hotel and look at the scenery, no nodding off.

Last of the Hebrides islands tomorrow.