Iona Abbey

Iona Abbey Review

The abbey, an important religious center dating back to the 6th century, survived repeated Norse sackings but finally fell into disuse around the time of the Reformation. Restoration work began at the turn of the 20th century. Today the restored buildings, including the abbey, serve as a spiritual center under the jurisdiction of the Church of Scotland. Guided tours, run by the Iona Community, are every half hour in summer and on demand in winter.

Iona Community. In 1938 the Iona Community, an ecumenical religious group, was founded by George MacLeod. Originally a Gaelic-speaking community dedicated to rebuilding the abbey, it was transformed over time into a more open and wide-ranging ecumenical community. It now offers programs, retreats, and activities across the island, and can be contacted through the Community Shop. 01681/700404. www.iona.org.uk.