Spring Work Week (fully booked)
2025-03-08 16:00 - 2025-03-14 09:00 UTC | Iona Abbey Centre, Isle of Iona, United Kingdom
Spring Work Week: 8th -14th March 2025
At this time of year, staff team and volunteers help to reawaken the Abbey after the winter. This is a week for energetic people who don’t mind getting their hands dirty.
Guests on work week participate in the rhythm and routine of work and worship in community.
Work for a typical day might include gardening, basic DIY, cleaning and moving objects and materials for worship between the Abbey church and the Michael Chapel.
Previous work week participants describe the wonderful energy of working together in a ‘common task’, using their varied gifts.
This is a fun-filled week with a ceilidh, free time to explore Iona and lots of laughs.
‘ I loved the thought that we were participating in preparing the way for others to grow throughout the upcoming season.‘ Work Week participant ’24
We also have a work week in November (1st – 7th) as we prepare the Abbey for the quieter months of winter.

Costs

6 Nights: This week is offered at an early-season discounted rate of £426 or concession rate of £213.

Time and Space 3 or 6 Nights (limited availability)
2025-03-15 16:00 - 2025-03-21 09:00 | Iona Abbey Centre, Isle of Iona, United Kingdom
Time and Space 6 or 3 night stays from 15th to 21st March 2025.
3 night stays begin on Saturday 15th or Tuesday 18th.
Do you need some time and space in your busy life? Come to the Abbey.
Our Time and Space weeks offer just enough structure and community for you to rest and reconnect. Join us in the ‘thin place’ between heaven and earth and be part of the rhythm of work and worship that frames life at the Abbey.
You ‘ll have the opportunity to:

enjoy the wild and rugged scenery

join our weekly pilgrimage

participate guided reflection and small group conversations

creatively explore issues of concern such as inclusion, ecological justice and peace

enjoy creative art opportunities

take part in daily worship

work with other guests on shared tasks
share tasty meals from the Iona Abbey Kitchen

6 Nights: £846 or £423 concession
3 Nights: £423 or £211.50 concession – see our programme page for more information.

3 Nights: 15th - 18th Book Here

or

3 Nights: 18th - 21st Book Here

Time and Space - 3 or 6 Nights
2025-03-22 15:00 - 2025-03-28 09:00 | Iona Abbey Centre, Isle of Iona, United Kingdom
Time and Space: 22nd – 28th March 2025. 3 or 6 nights

Do you need some time and space in your busy life? Come to the Abbey.
Our Time and Space weeks offer just enough structure and community for you to rest and reconnect. Join us in the ‘thin place’ between heaven and earth and be part of the rhythm of work and worship that frames life at the Abbey.
You ‘ll have the opportunity to:

enjoy the wild and rugged scenery

join our weekly pilgrimage

participate guided reflection and small group conversations

creatively explore issues of concern such as inclusion, ecological justice and peace

enjoy creative art opportunities

take part in daily worship

work with other guests on shared tasks

share tasty meals from the Iona Abbey Kitchen

Costs
6 Nights: £846 per adult, £423 for reduced rate – see our programme page for more information.
3 Nights: £423 per adult, £211.50 for reduced rate.

Book Here 3 Nights: 22nd - 25th March

or

Book Here: 3 Nights: 25th - 28th March

Ways of Seeing, Ways of Being 3 or 6 nights
2025-03-29 15:00 - 2025-04-04 09:00 | Iona Abbey Centre, Isle of Iona, United Kingdom
Ways of Seeing, Ways of Being, 29th March – 4th April 2025
This wonderful programme will run over 6 nights. But we can cater for those who would like to stay for 3 nights.
Three-night breaks begin on 29th March and 1st April.

How might seeing with the eyes of an island help us to view the world differently?
Combining mindful creative activities with the rich visual history of Iona – from the Book of Kells to the present day – Iona artist, Mhairi Killin, and island mindfulness teacher, Kerstin Felleiter, will help us explore a Gaelic way of seeing and being in the world.
This artist-led introduction to Iona’s creative wellspring, explores how thinking like an island – through its culture, landscapes and community – might support us to navigate the complexities of modern life. We’ll interweave art, spirituality and community with the inspiration and imagination cultivated by the island’s stunning land and seascapes.
Led by Iocal artist Mhairi Killin and supported by Kerstin Felleiter, the week will include illustrated talks, conversations, mindful observation, and short, guided meditations. These activities will lead to the creation of an individual metal artefact, in the tradition of medieval pilgrim badges, reflecting each participants’ island experience. No artistic skills or previous mindfulness experience required, just bring an openness to observe and play.
Note there will be a limited number of 25 places for this programmed week.
Programme leaders

Mhairi Killin is a multidisciplinary artist who has lived on Iona since 1997. Trained at the Glasgow School of Art and a Royal Scottish Academician, Mhairi’s practice strives to reveal islands as progressive centres from which we can experience a unique perspective on the forces shaping our futures. Mhairi’s family stretch back many generations on Iona, and she continues the centuries old tradition of metal working on the island through her business, Aosdàna.
Kerstin Felleiter is a certified mindfulness teacher and has been teaching a regular class on Iona for residents and visitors since 2022, alongside teaching online and writing a blog. She is inspired by the wisdom and beauty of various spiritual traditions – especially those from the East, where she has spent several months. Kerstin strongly believes in the healing power of sharing and connection. Her aim is to create safe spaces for people of all backgrounds to come together and to support the development of meaningful, respectful exchanges and learning from each other.
Costs
6 Nights: £846.00 per adult, £423.00 for reduced rate – see our programme page for more information.
To find out more about 3 night stays during this week, please contact IonaAbbeyBookings@iona.org.uk

Embody Lent (limited availability)
2025-04-05 15:00 - 2025-04-11 09:00 | Iona Abbey Centre, Isle of Iona, United Kingdom
Embody Lent 5th – 11th April 2025

Are you curious about how Christian spirituality intersects with yoga?
Pauline Steenbergen, Steve Carter and Una Bentley will lead your exploration during the fifth week of Lent. Indoor and outdoor practices will be based on the book, Embody Lent in 29 Yoga Postures at different times of day.
Each yoga practice will begin with grounding and slow breathing and will end with time for stillness, meditation, prayer or relaxation. We’ll be paying attention to each other throughout the week as equals, subjects rather than objects. We will examine ways to cultivate body, mind and breath awareness. And we will find more unity with others, the earth, all living things and the Divine source of every breath. The programme will include one group reflection about the Eastern origins of yoga and ways in which practising yoga can lead into deeper ecumenical and interfaith encounters towards peace work.
‘My faith is anchored in the belief that God is the Breath of life. I feel ‘yoked’ to God’s presence when simply I take the time to become conscious of my breath in and my breath out.‘ Pauline Steenbergen
All faiths and no-faith participants are welcome. No previous experience of yoga is required. Seated and gentle options will be included so that people of various abilities can participate.
Programme leaders
Pauline Steenbergen is a new Member of lona Community (2024-6), a Church of Scotland minister, former hospice chaplain, spiritual director, Yoga Scotland teacher and author.

Steve Carter is a retired Anglican priest, former South American Mission partner and police chaplain.

Una Bentley fell in love with yoga in the 80s, and has been teaching it since 2010, to people of all shapes, ages and abilities. She works with traveller children, and co-leads a weekly meditation service for her local Anglican Church.

Costs

6 Nights: £846.00 per adult, £423.00 for reduced rate – see our programme page for more information.

Time and Space Digital Detox (3 nights)
2025-04-12 16:00 - 2025-04-15 09:00 | Iona Abbey Centre, Isle of Iona, United Kingdom
Time and Space Digital Detox from 12th to 15th April 2025.

Do you need some time and space in your busy life? Come to the Abbey.
Join us for three digital-free days to embrace the profound relaxation and presence of living in the moment.
Our Time and Space weeks offer just enough structure and community for you to rest and reconnect. Join us in the ‘thin place’ between heaven and earth and be part of the rhythm of work and worship that frames life at the Abbey.
You‘ll have the opportunity to:

enjoy the wild and rugged scenery

join our weekly pilgrimage

participate guided reflection and small group conversations

creatively explore issues of concern such as inclusion, ecological justice and peace

take a boat trip to Staffa (April until mid-October)

enjoy creative art opportunities

take part in daily worship

work with other guests on shared tasks

share tasty meals from the Iona Abbey Kitchen

Costs
3 Nights: £423.00 or £211.50 concession – see our programme page for more information.

Encounter Easter anew (6 nights)
2025-04-16 15:00 - 2025-04-22 09:00 | Iona Abbey Centre, Isle of Iona, United Kingdom
Encounter Easter anew: 16th – 22nd April 2025
When we take wrath and sacrifice out of the picture, how do we see Easter?
The story of Jesus’ death on the cross is central to Christianity but, for many, the traditional interpretation of the sacrifice and bodily resurrection of Jesus have become stumbling blocks. In this journey through the events of Holy Week we will explore together the power of those events through a different lens.
This is a journey – through led conversations and creative arts. We will reflect on different perspectives of why Jesus died, and the transformational possibilities of resurrection in our lives and in the world today. Worship will be intrinsic to our shared experience.
There will be programme for children and young people too and times for all to come together and share.
Programme leaders

Alison Adam is a member of the Iona Community, has worked in primary schools, youth work, with the Wild Goose Resource Group, where she contributed to much published and recorded material. She currently works part time in a charity shop.

Lesley Orr is a historian and activist for gender and social justice, and an honorary fellow of the Centre for Theology and Public Issues, University of Edinburgh. She is longtime member of the Iona Community and chairs Stellar Quines, the intersectional feminist theatre company.

Cara Riley is an experienced group facilitator across diverse settings including churches and communities impacted by interpersonal violence. She has been connected with the Iona Community through membership and as a member of the staff team on Iona. Cara currently works as a therapist and clinical supervisor.
Alison, Lesley and Cara will facilitate the week, along with islands staff.

Costs
6 Nights: £846.00 per adult, £423.00 for reduced rate – see our programme page for more information.

Word made flesh (limited availability)
2025-04-26 15:00 - 2025-05-02 09:00 | Iona Abbey Centre, Isle of Iona, United Kingdom
Word made flesh – Celebrating the unity of body, mind and spirit: 26th April – 2nd May 2025

We’ve known for a long time that the body listens to the brain. Now we know what ancient spiritual practices intuited: that the brain listens to the body.
We will explore the intimate relationship between the body and the brain by learning why body-based practices work and how different styles of meditation impact our well-being. And we’ll experience a variety of ways to honour and care for our whole selves.
You will acquire skills during this week which have wide-ranging implications for our relationships and for our ability to be present to ourselves, God and the world.
Contributors

Christopher Rowe – credit St Columba’s Church

Rev Christopher Rowe is a Tai Chi instructor, Capacitar facilitator, Associate Member of the Iona Community and rector of Colston Milton Parish, Glasgow.

Keller Hawkin – credit: Belmont University

Rev Keller Hawkins is a therapist, with degrees in religion, theology, and counselling. A former Abbey volunteer, Keller’s interests lie in the intersection of embodiment, spirituality, care, and healing. She is passionate about cultivating practices of playfulness and resilience, embodied knowledge and insight, and collective wisdom that builds toward justice.

Costs
6 Nights: £846.00 per adult, £423.00 for reduced rate – see our programme page for more information.

John Bell - Towards A World Fit For Our Children (FULLY BOOKED)
2025-05-03 15:00 - 2025-05-09 09:00 | Iona Abbey Centre, Isle of Iona, United Kingdom
Towards A World Fit For Our Children, 3rd–9th May 2025 (FULLY BOOKED)
(WAITING LIST: please contact ionaabbeybookings@iona.org.uk to add your name.)

How can we, as individuals and as churches, think positively about the future when so much news and conjecture is bleak? And how can we do that without retreating into pious platitudes, but with realism, hope and some biblical insight?
Joan Bakewell, the veteran BBC journalist, spoke recently of how for her, as a teenager in the post war area, the future was full of potentials and delight. In comparison, she found it difficult to conjecture how a teenager might feel today when considering future prospects given the uncertainties in the world, and the increase in mental health issues among the young.
People of faith are called to dream dreams and see visions rather than become complaintive and despondent. And enthusiasm is best encouraged by dialogue rather than introspection.
In this retreat, we will be considering whether a faith which should essentially be liberating can offer constructive insights and positive pathways to the future.
Programme leader

John Bell is an ordained minister, a member of the Iona Community and a writer and occasional broadcaster. He is a much-loved contributor at Greenbelt Festival. He teaches and lectures worldwide on issues of faith, social justice, music and liturgy.

Costs

6 Nights: £846.00 per adult, £423.00 for reduced rate – see our programme page for more information.

Rooted in Hope: Lived in Community - Associate Members Week
2025-05-10 16:00 - 2025-05-16 09:00 | Iona Abbey Centre, Isle of Iona, United Kingdom
Rooted in Hope: Lived in Community – Associate Members Week: 10th – 16th May 2025
A week for gentle exploration, reflection, and inspiration about what it means to belong to a vibrant, global, hopeful community today. This week for Associate Members will be co-led by Ruth Harvey, Iona Community Leader, and Caitlin Wakefield, Membership Manager.
A special week for those who are Associate Members of the Iona Community to gather together on Isle of Iona. An opportunity for self-reflection, connecting with other Associate Members, learning tools and sharing gifts that encourage and enrich our shared journey.
The week includes the pilgrimage around the island, art and daily worship.
‘I learned more about what it is to be an Associate…I enjoyed the time and new friendships with like-minded people.’ Associate Members Week attendee 2023.
Costs
6 Nights: £846.00 per adult, £423.00 for reduced rate – see our programme page for more information.

Time and Space (1 PLACE AVAILABLE)
2025-05-17 16:00 - 2025-05-23 09:00 | Iona Abbey Centre, Isle of Iona, United Kingdom
Time and Space 17th – 23rd May 2025. – FULLY BOOKED
(WAITING LIST: please contact ionaabbeybookings@iona.org.uk to add your name.)
Do you need some time and space in your busy life? Come to the Abbey.
Our Time and Space weeks offer just enough structure and community for you to rest and reconnect. Join us in the ‘thin place’ between heaven and earth and be part of the rhythm of work and worship that frames life at the Abbey.
You ‘ll have the opportunity to:

enjoy the wild and rugged scenery

join our weekly pilgrimage

participate guided reflection and small group conversations

creatively explore issues of concern such as inclusion, ecological justice and peace

enjoy creative art opportunities

take part in daily worship

work with other guests on shared tasks

share tasty meals from the Iona Abbey Kitchen

Costs

6 Nights: £846.00 per adult, £423.00 for reduced rate – see our programme page for more information.

Time and Space (FULLY BOOKED – waiting list open)
2025-05-24 16:00 - 2025-05-30 09:00 | Iona Abbey Centre, Isle of Iona, United Kingdom
Time and Space 24th-30th May 2025. FULLY BOOKED
Do you need some time and space in your busy life? Come to the Abbey.
Our Time and Space weeks offer just enough structure and community for you to rest and reconnect. Join us in the ‘thin place’ between heaven and earth and be part of the rhythm of work and worship that frames life at the Abbey.
You ‘ll have the opportunity to:

enjoy the wild and rugged scenery

join our weekly pilgrimage

participate guided reflection and small group conversations

creatively explore issues of concern such as inclusion, ecological justice and peace

enjoy creative art opportunities

take part in daily worship

work with other guests on shared tasks

share tasty meals from the Iona Abbey Kitchen

Costs

6 Nights: £846.00 per adult, £423.00 for reduced rate – see our programme page for more information.

Song Writing to Change the World
2025-05-31 15:00 - 2025-06-06 09:00 | Iona Abbey Centre, Isle of Iona, United Kingdom
Singing together
Explore how singing together shapes faith, heals brokenness, transforms lives, and renews peace. This unique and inspirational week will be led by The Hymn Society in the US and Canada.
This is a creative songwriting week for beginner or intermediate level folks.
Develop skills

Develop your craft as text writers, tune composers, or both.
Be guided by a dynamic team of experts including Adam Tice, Sally Ann Morris, Brian Hehn and others.
Join in and contribute to morning and evening worship each day at Iona Abbey.

Folks who simply love to sing or listen are also welcome on this week.
We believe that the holy act of singing together shapes faith, heals brokenness, transforms lives, and renews peace.

Programme leaders

Adam M. L. Tice is a widely-published hymn writer. He served as text editor for the 2020 USA/Canada Mennonite hymnal, Voices Together, and works for GIA Publications as Editor for Congregational Song. He curates GIA’s “Unbound” service, offering an ever-growing selection of new hymns and songs for individual download. In 2024, Adam was named a Fellow of The Hymn Society in the US and Canada, and also received Goshen College’s Culture for Service award. In his free time Adam enjoys rock climbing: a pursuit severely limited by living in the midwest state of Indiana–-so he mostly climbs on plastic rocks indoors.

Gillian Warson is a freelance writer, educator and musician who plays the viola in several ensembles. She directs Immanuel’s Ground, a West Gallery quire in Warwick, UK and is Chair of the West Gallery Music Association. She has written numerous books on hymnody and hymn singing, and has given papers and led workshops all over the world. Gillian is currently researching a biography of Ann Mounsey Bartholomew.

Sally Ann Morris is a composer of over 200 published hymn and congregational song tunes. Some of these are found in denominational hymnals in the United States, Canada, the UK, New Zealand, and Japan, including the Church of Scotland Church Hymnary and supplement God Welcomes All. Sally’s musical styles range from classically traditional influences to lyric melodies, jazz, folk, pop, and short form chant. In 2021, Sally was named a Fellow of The Hymn Society in the US and Canada in recognition of her contributions to new congregational song as a composer and as a worship leader, song enlivener, and mentor to emerging writers.

Costs

6 Nights: £846.00 per adult, £423.00 for reduced rate – see our programme page for more information.

Columba Week (FULLY BOOKED)
2025-06-07 15:00 - 2025-06-13 09:00 | Iona Abbey Centre, Isle of Iona, United Kingdom
Columba Week 7th – 13th June 2025 (FULLY BOOKED)
Flawed, ambitious and uniquely charismatic, Saint Columba emerged from the sorrow of exile to become the foremost figure of his time, spreading the gospel and establishing a thriving religious and creative community which one writer called “a beacon of enlightenment Christianity”.
Columba’s legend is curiously modern. It challenges us to speak truth to power, create genuine openness in our societies, and do the hard work of peace-making in dark times. Join us for a week of celebration, investigation, art, creative writing, and music.
Join us for a week of celebration, storytelling, song and playful contemplative practice.
Programme leader

Rev. Simon Ruth de Voil is an interspiritual minister and musician. His musical and spiritual work explores themes of the inner landscape of the soul, the enchantment of the natural world, and the healing power of spiritual practice. As a chaplain and counsellor, Simon helps individuals and groups connect sacred presence with everyday life. You can view Simon’s website here.

Workshop leader

Reverend Catherine Lomas was a parish priest in the Church of England until 2023. Now based in Wiltshire, she is exploring a calling as full-time iconographer and sacred artist. She uses visual means to explore theology  and spirituality, seeing our search for the Divine as sharing much in common with  humanity’s innate longing for beauty. She painted her first icon in 2016, and now pursues her ministry through leading and speaking  about icons, art and spirituality. More details at Catherine Mary Icons

Costs

6 Nights: £846.00 per adult, £423.00 for reduced rate – see our programme page for more information.

Regional Coordinator and Family Group Convener Meeting
2025-06-13 14:00 - 17:30 | Govan and Linthouse Parish Church, 796 Govan Road, Glasgow, Scotland, G51 2YL, United Kingdom
Regional Coordinator and Family Group Convener Meeting

On Friday 13 June, Iona Community Regional Coordinators and Family Group Conveners gather to discuss the issues and joys of this particular area of our Community.
Our meeting will take place between 2pm and 5.30pm.
You are invited to bring for a picnic dinner and then stay for the Iona Community Lecture beginning at 7pm.
This will take place in Govan and Linthouse Church.
We look forward to seeing you.

Iona Community Lecture 2025
2025-06-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Govan and Linthouse Parish Church, 796 Govan Road, Glasgow, Scotland, G51 2YL, United Kingdom
POSTPONED

We regret to inform you that the Iona Community Lecture originally scheduled for Friday, 13th June 2025 has been postponed due to unforeseen health concerns affecting our lecturers.
TheGKexperience remain enthusiastic about delivering the lecture and we are working with them to reschedule it. Everyone who has booked will be notified as soon as a new date is confirmed.
Further updates will be shared here in due course. Thank you for your understanding.

——————————————————————————————————
Along for the journey
We’re delighted to bring you the 2025 Iona Community Lecture in partnership with theGKexperience (GK). GK have been coming to Camas, the Iona Community’s residential outdoor activity centre on the isle of Mull for many years. Like the Iona Community, GK prioritises community, making clear that ‘theGKexperience is not a programme but a community’.
The context
In this lecture, GK Experience will delve into their long-term relational youth work approach. They will share how they support brilliant young people who face unfair barriers due to poverty, inequality, and injustice in Glasgow. Unpacking their ethos, they will demonstrate how they actively challenge harmful assumptions. Assumptions that disregard, stigmatise, and label young people as no-hopers and troublemakers. Instead, GK envisions these same young people as Scotland’s next generation of leaders.
The approach
Both leaders and young people will share their journeys—from being supported by GK to becoming adult volunteers themselves. Key to their approach is a deep commitment to:

listening to young people,
understanding their context and behaviours,
remaining flexible, and
providing meaningful opportunities for responsibility and leadership.

Facilitators
theGKexperience is a youth work charity in Glasgow and the wider area. Founded on the belief that all young people are brilliant, and that they all deserve the same opportunities to succeed, they work to make their aspirations a reality. They build long-term trusting and respectful relationships with young people and their families over years. They prioritise listening to their voices and are welcomed by them to offer support. GK are persistent in their engagement, love, and support, especially if it becomes difficult due the barriers they face. Working alongside young people in their local settings and outdoor residential and wilderness experiences, they help them to soar.  GK provide an integrated model of support across 4 areas: Residential experiences, local community work, a young leaders programme and tailored individual support.

Annual General Meeting
2025-06-14 10:00 - 15:30 | Govan and Linthouse Parish Church, 796 Govan Road, Glasgow, Scotland, G51 2YL, United Kingdom
Annual General Meeting

On Saturday 14 June, we will gather from 10am until 3.30pm.
Our AGM will consist of the business meeting. This session will take place from 10.30am – 11.15am.
After the AGM, we will hear from staff and trustees.
Please note that the event fee covers the plenary session after the AGM. There is no charge to attend the Annual General Meeting. To register only for the AGM please email – compsec@iona.org.uk
Please bring a picnic lunch.
The AGM will take place in Govan and Linthouse Church.

Hallowing Service
2025-06-14 16:00 | Govan and Linthouse Parish Church, 796 Govan Road, Glasgow, Scotland, G51 2YL, United Kingdom
Hallowing Service and Reception

On Saturday 14 June at 4pm, we will gather to hallow new Members in a worship service called ‘the Hallowing Service’.
At the Hallowing Service each new Member makes a public commitment to the Rule of Life of the Iona Community, and is then blessed by the Leader.
At the same time, we also invite Members of the Iona Community, in the presence of God, friends and family to renew their commitment to the purpose and Rule of the Community.
The Hallowing Service and Reception will take place in Govan and Linthouse Church.

Time and Space 14th - 20th June 2025. - (FULLY BOOKED – waiting list open)
2025-06-14 16:00 - 2025-06-20 09:00 | Iona Abbey Centre, Isle of Iona, United Kingdom
Time and Space 14th – 20th June 2025. – (FULLY BOOKED – waiting list open)
Do you need some time and space in your busy life? Come to the Abbey.
Our Time and Space weeks offer just enough structure and community for you to rest and reconnect. Join us in the ‘thin place’ between heaven and earth and be part of the rhythm of work and worship that frames life at the Abbey.
You ‘ll have the opportunity to:

enjoy the wild and rugged scenery

join our weekly pilgrimage

participate guided reflection and small group conversations

creatively explore issues of concern such as inclusion, ecological justice and peace

enjoy creative art opportunities

take part in daily worship

work with other guests on shared tasks

share tasty meals from the Iona Abbey Kitchen

Costs

6 Nights: £846.00 per adult, £423.00 for reduced rate – see our programme page for more information.

Environment Week (FULLY BOOKED - waiting list open)
2025-06-21 15:00 - 2025-06-27 09:00 | Iona Abbey Centre, Isle of Iona, United Kingdom
Environment Week 21st – 27th June 2025 (FULLY BOOKED)
(WAITING LIST: please contact ionaabbeybookings@iona.org.uk to add your name.)
What inspires and sustains us in this time of anxiety about the climate? Our passion for peace and justice embraces both the people we share the planet with and the Earth itself.
The narrative around climate change is often one of despair. But this overlooks a series of recent advances in technological innovation, policy development, widespread protest and landmark legal victories. All this has echoes of the words of Arundhati Roy “Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing”.
During this environment week we will discover tools to raise our spirits, and change our climate anxiety into climate action.
If you want to deepen your connection with the Divine amidst the white sands, turquoise blue waters and wild flowers of Iona in midsummer, this is the week for you.
Programme leaders:
Led by Iona Community Programme Team.
Costs
6 Nights: £846.00 per adult, £423.00 for reduced rate – see our programme page for more information.

Time and Space (LIMITED - 1 place available)
2025-06-28 16:00 - 2025-07-04 09:00 | Iona Abbey Centre, Isle of Iona, United Kingdom
Time and Space 28th June – 4th July 2025.
(There are other Time and Space weeks available; have a look at our programme page.)
Do you need some time and space in your busy life? Come to the Abbey.
Our Time and Space weeks offer just enough structure and community for you to rest and reconnect. Join us in the ‘thin place’ between heaven and earth and be part of the rhythm of work and worship that frames life at the Abbey.
You’ll have the opportunity to:

enjoy the wild and rugged scenery

join our weekly pilgrimage

participate guided reflection and small group conversations

creatively explore issues of concern such as inclusion, ecological justice and peace

enjoy creative art opportunities

take part in daily worship

work with other guests on shared tasks

share tasty meals from the Iona Abbey Kitchen

Costs

6 Nights: £846.00 per adult, £423.00 for reduced rate – see our programme page for more information.

Time and Space
2025-07-05 15:00 - 2025-07-11 09:00 | Iona Abbey Centre, Isle of Iona, United Kingdom
Image credit: Cora Mueller
Time and Space: 5th – 11th July 2025
Do you need some time and space in your busy life? Come to the Abbey.
Our Time and Space weeks offer just enough structure and community for you to rest and reconnect. Join us in the ‘thin place’ between heaven and earth and be part of the rhythm of work and worship that frames life at the Abbey.
You ‘ll have the opportunity to:

enjoy the wild and rugged scenery

join our weekly pilgrimage

participate guided reflection and small group conversations

creatively explore issues of concern such as inclusion, ecological justice and peace

enjoy creative art opportunities

take part in daily worship

work with other guests on shared tasks

share tasty meals from the Iona Abbey Kitchen

Programme Leaders:
Led by the Abbey Programme Team
Costs
6 Nights: £846.00 per adult, £423.00 for reduced rate – see our programme page for more information.

Worship in the Wilds - Wild Goose Resource Group (LIMITED - 4 places available)
2025-07-12 15:00 - 2025-07-18 09:00 | Iona Abbey Centre, Isle of Iona, United Kingdom
Wild Goose Resource Group Week 12th – 18th July 2025
Worship in the Wilds

The world’s gone wild so why does worship matter? How can we respond to the wilds of God and our world through worshipping and singing together?

An interactive week exploring creative, participative and playful ways to worship, led by the Wild Goose Resource Group – Jane Bentley, Iain McLarty and Jo Love. A highlight of the Iona Abbey Programme each year.

Programme leaders

Jo Love brings curiosity about Bible explorations, deeper conversations, and the art of well-shaped and well-led worship.

Iain McLarty is an experienced church musician in a broad range of styles, with extensive experience working with the Church of Scotland and the World Council of Churches.

Jane Bentley specialises in inclusive music-making, community building and social connection.

Costs
6 Nights: £846.00 per adult, £423.00 for reduced rate – see our programme page for more information.

Time and Space (FULLY BOOKED – waiting list open)
2025-07-19 16:00 - 2025-07-25 09:00 | Iona Abbey Centre, Isle of Iona, United Kingdom
Time and Space 19th – 25th July 2025.
Do you need some time and space in your busy life? Come to the Abbey.
Our Time and Space weeks offer just enough structure and community for you to rest and reconnect. Join us in the ‘thin place’ between heaven and earth and be part of the rhythm of work and worship that frames life at the Abbey.
You ‘ll have the opportunity to:

enjoy the wild and rugged scenery

join our weekly pilgrimage

participate guided reflection and small group conversations

creatively explore issues of concern such as inclusion, ecological justice and peace

enjoy creative art opportunities

take part in daily worship

work with other guests on shared tasks

share tasty meals from the Iona Abbey Kitchen

Programme contributor
David Osborne
During this Time and Space week Iona Community Member and writer David Osborne will lead some sessions on why and how we can be hopeful even if we are not optimistic.

Costs

6 Nights: £846.00 per adult, £423.00 for reduced rate – see our programme page for more information.

Community Week (fully booked)
2025-07-26 15:00 - 2025-08-01 09:00 | Iona Abbey Centre, Isle of Iona, United Kingdom
Community Week 26th July – 1st August 2025
A special week for Members of the Iona Community to gather on the Isle of Iona. We’ll be joined by Sally Foster-Fulton, UK and Global Church Ambassador for Christian Aid, and John Bell, Member of the Iona Community and co-founder of the Wild Goose Resource Group. John and Sally will join us in reflecting on what it means to be a hopeful community in anxious times.
Please note you must be a Member of the Iona Community to attend this week, find out more about membership here.

Costs

6 Nights: £846.00 per adult, £423.00 for reduced rate – see our programme page for more information.

YouthFest 2025 (age 14-17) (FULLY BOOKED)
2025-08-02 16:00 - 2025-08-08 09:00 | Iona Abbey Centre, Isle of Iona, United Kingdom
YouthFest 2025 2nd – 8th August
Grounded in each day, we will explore the island and community as well as what helps us grow and rise in our lives. Beach time, art, hiking, music, service, worship and fun!
You can get a flavour of YouthFest here:

Costs
Contact ionaabbeybookings@iona.org.uk for all the essential booking information.

Peace building in a world of conflict (Limited - 2 places available)
2025-08-09 15:00 - 2025-08-15 09:00 | Iona Abbey Centre, Isle of Iona, United Kingdom
Peace building in a world of conflict: 9th – 15th August 2025
Note we have one female and one male space remaining.
“Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me”.
The Iona Community is committed through its Members to work for peace within our own communities and in the wider world. This is a challenging but all the more important time to be addressing such issues. During our week together on Iona we will, with experienced peace builders, explore what peace and security means in the local and wider context.
We will hear about tried and tested peacebuilding theories, strategies and initiatives in a variety of situations with speakers from the Fellowship of Reconciliation, Rethinking Security, Quaker peace work and Ulster University. This will give us the opportunity to develop practical ideas which we can then implement in our own circumstances and localities.
In addition to input and discussion sessions, workshops and creative opportunities the week will allow plenty of free time to explore the island.
Programme leaders
Margery Toller, CCN Peace Moderator
A peace activist, Margery Toller has been involved in protests in London, Glasgow and at Greenham Common, Molesworth, Faslane and Menwith Hill. In the 1980s, she protested in Bonn in response to the USA’s attempt to station nuclear missiles in Germany. Margery has taken part in the Hiroshima day to Nagasaki day International Fast for many years.
She is the moderator of the Iona Community’s Peace Common Concern Network and the Community representative with XR Peace. Married to a German conscientious objector to military service, her main experience of peacebuilding has been in bringing up their four sons!

Duncan Morrow
Duncan Morrow is the Director of Community Engagement and a lecturer in politics at Ulster University. He has published widely in the fields of conflict resolution, Northern Ireland politics and the relationship between religion and politics. His research interests include Conflict and Religion, Ethnic Conflict, Northern Ireland Politics and the work of René Girard
For ten years, Duncan was Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council. He has also chaired the Scottish Government’s advisory groups tackling sectarianism and hate crime.

Joanna Frew
Joanna Frew is the Outreach Coordinator for Rethinking Security. She has worked in campaigning and academia over the last 20 years, on a range of issues such as trade justice, anti-militarism, globalisation and the history of the British empire, as well as being actively involved in protest and campaigns in a personal capacity. She and her partner run a house of hospitality for refugees and asylum seekers. Joanna also runs a community gardening project at her local Quaker meeting house.

John Cooper
John Cooper is the Director of the Fellowship of Reconciliation (FoR). The FoR is a faith-shaped peace, justice and nonviolence movement founded in 1914. Since then branches have grown around the world to form a global network. John leads the branch for England and Scotland.
With a BA in Politics, International Relations, Third World and Development Studies, John has worked on questions of peace and justice with Christian Aid, the Joint Public Issues Team and All We Can. He is a lifelong Methodist with a strong commitment to ecumenism and a vibrant global church.
Outside of work he has a young family, is a long-time trainee local preacher and enjoys coastal walks.

Rebecca Bellamy
Rebecca Bellamy coordinates Quakers in Britain’s national peacebuilding programme to develop responsive, creative, transformative and local peacebuilding approaches. This work includes getting alongside those engaged in community dialogue work and larger-scale conflict analysis and interventions.
Rebecca has previously worked in a variety of interreligious settings locally, nationally and internationally, working with civil society organisations, governments and research institutions. She also brings experience in devising arts approaches to consider complex issues, facilitate dialogue and strengthen community.

Costs
6 Nights: £846.00 per adult, £423.00 for reduced rate – see our programme page for more information.

Time and Space 3 or 6 Nights (FULLY BOOKED)
2025-08-16 16:00 - 2025-08-22 09:00 | Iona Abbey Centre, Isle of Iona, United Kingdom
Time and Space 6 or 3 night stays from 16th to 22nd August 2025.
3 night stays begin on Saturday 16th or Tuesday 19th.
Do you need some time and space in your busy life? Come to the Abbey.
Our Time and Space weeks offer just enough structure and community for you to rest and reconnect. Join us in the ‘thin place’ between heaven and earth and be part of the rhythm of work and worship that frames life at the Abbey.
You ‘ll have the opportunity to:

enjoy the wild and rugged scenery

join our weekly pilgrimage

participate guided reflection and small group conversations

creatively explore issues of concern such as inclusion, ecological justice and peace

enjoy creative art opportunities

take part in daily worship

work with other guests on shared tasks

share tasty meals from the Iona Abbey Kitchen

Costs

6 Nights: £846.00 per adult, £423.00 for reduced rate
3 Nights: £423.00 per adult, £211.50 for reduced rate – see our programme page for more information.

3 Nights: 16th - 19th Book Here

or

3 Nights: 19th - 22nd Book Here

People, Place and Spirituality (FULLY BOOKED)
2025-08-23 15:00 - 2025-08-29 09:00 | Iona Abbey Centre, Isle of Iona, United Kingdom
People, Place and Spirituality 23rd – 29th August 2025
How do places shape our spirituality?
Set against the backdrop of Iona in late summer, this programme is for those who are curious about the spaces we inhabit.
Join us for week of exploration when we will explore how people in the past viewed the landscapes within which they lived. We’ll consider how they marked those places, endowing special places with both meaning and mythology. And how people today, of widely differing faiths, create physical and spiritual maps which fill their lived landscapes with meaning.
We’ll have the opportunity to learn from history and archaeology. We’ll create maps of our own inner and outer landscapes to help us renew our commitment of care for the land upon which we live.
Programme leader

Dr Julian Richards is an archaeologist, writer and former broadcaster on both BBC radio and television (‘Meet the Ancestors’). His specialities are in early prehistory and monastic archaeology. A lecturer for the Arts Society and passionate about communicating his fascination with the past, Julian teaches groups of all ages, experience and ability around the UK each year.

Costs
6 Nights: £846.00 per adult, £423.00 for reduced rate – see our programme page for more information.

Reading the Bible as Earth People - Brian McLaren (FULLY BOOKED)
2025-08-30 16:00 - 2025-09-05 09:00 | Iona Abbey Centre, Isle of Iona, United Kingdom
Reading the Bible as Earth People: 30 August – 5 September 2025
If you’re like most people, you’ve been taught the Bible from the perspective of colonisers. What would it mean to rediscover the Bible as a guide to helping people resist death-dealing civilisations?
What better place than Iona to rediscover the Bible as an ecological and indigenous text? Where better to find wisdom and courage when it feels like the world is falling apart?
The natural beauty of Iona will set the backdrop for rediscovering the Bible as “people of red Earth” (the meaning of Adam in Genesis). Brian will offer high-altitude overviews, close readings of key texts, and ample opportunity for in-depth conversation. If you’re a pastor, priest, or other spiritual leader, the sessions will help you professionally. If you breathe Earth’s air, drink her water, eat of her bounty, and enjoy her beauty, this week will equip you as a contemplative activist and lifelong member of Team Earth going forward.
Programme leader:
This week will be facilitated by Brian McLaren: author, former pastor, activist, and teacher with the Center for Action and Contemplation. You can view Brian’s website here.

Costs
6 Nights: £846.00 per adult, £423.00 for reduced rate – see our programme page for more information.
