OUR NEIGHBOURS
We are delighted to belong to the communities of Mull and Iona, two of Scotland’s vibrant islands of the inner Hebrides. Here are just some local links to help as you plan your journey and your visit:
Iona Community Council
The thriving island of Iona is home to around 170 permanent residents. The local Community Council meets up to 6 times each year and discusses many aspects of island life and its challenges. The excellent local community council web-site helps you search for local business, including bed and breakfast, self-catering, hotel and campsite accommodation on the island.
Visit Mull and Iona
‘Visit Mull and Iona’ is run by local volunteers and is a source of local knowledge, history and information for the islands of Mull and Iona.
Iona Parish Church, and Retreat Centres on Iona
Iona Parish Church is part of the the Church of Scotland (Presbyterian) parishes of Iona linked with Kilfinichen and Kilvickeon and the Ross of Mull. Bishop’s House is a Retreat Centre, opened in 1894 by the Lord Bishop of Argyll, to be ‘a centre of Prayer, Study, Contemplation and the Eucharist on the island of Iona.’ The Catholic House of Prayer opened in the spring of 1997, the 1400th anniversary year of St Columba’s death on Iona, and ‘provides a peaceful place of prayer for all pilgrims in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.’
National Trust for Scotland
The NTS is a conservation charity which protects Scotland’s heritage. They work with the island community and help to curate the island, preserving and protecting the heritage, coastline and landscape.
Mull and Iona Community Trust
MICT works to improve the social, economic and environmental strengths of the islands.
Historic Environment Scotland
HES is the lead public body set up to investigate, care for and promote Scotland’s historic environment. HES cares for the fabric of Iona Abbey and of the Nunnery and opens the Abbey site to the public. They offer guided tours of the ecclesiastical buildings.
Iona Cathedral Trust
The 8th Duke of Argyll made over Iona Abbey, including the Cathedral and other ecclesiastical buildings on Iona, to the Iona Cathedral Trust in 1899. The Iona Community works in close cooperation with the Trust and the islanders to ensure that the Abbey is accessible to all.
Iona Village Hall
The Village Hall has recently been completely rebuilt to an award-winning design. It’s a fabulous venue for large and small events, and the hub of a thriving local community.
Iona Primary School
There is a thriving primary school on Iona situated near the village hall and the nunnery.