Library Item

24550

At the West Sands. North-west shore, Iona

1880

18.7 x 27.7 cm

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The tiny island of Iona sits off the west coast of the Isle of Mull. This small isle, just three miles long by one mile wide, had a huge influence on the establishment of Christianity in Scotland, England and throughout mainland Europe.

In 563AD, the Irish monk St. Columba arrived on Iona with a handful of followers. He built his first Celtic church and established a monastic community on the island.

St Columba set about spreading the Christian faith to most of pagan Scotland and northern England. This seat of learning and centre for Christian worship soon became a place of pilgrimage.