Iona
The tour of the western coast of Scotland continues and today we spent a day on Iona.
Iona is a small island off the southwest coast of Mull in the Inner Hebrides. It is only 1.5 miles wide by 3 miles long, with a population of around 120 permanent residents. Despite this, Iona has a special place in the heart of many people the world over. It is well known as ‘The cradle of Christianity’ in Scotland and is a place of pilgrimage for many. Today we witnessed many people travelling to the island despite the wind and rain spend time in the Abbey and soaking up the peaceful atmosphere of the island.
We spent time visiting the historic and religious sites (and attended a church service) and we also had a good walk around the island visiting some of the beaches. Here are some images from a day that was full of stereotypical Scottish weather (rain and more rain!), turquoise seemed to be the colour of the day…
A lone sheep looks out over the Atlantic to Mull.
Colourful lobster pots by the Iona ferry port on the Isle of Mull
Beach next to the ferry port on Iona. Children bravely play in the cold Atlantic water. It looks beautifully blue but is very cold!
Iona Abbey. A place of pilgrimage and prayer
Iona Abbey
Pebble beach at the southern end of the island
Pebbles on an Iona beach – amazing colours, shapes and textures. Nature is amazing!
THE THING WITH FEATHERS 
Thank you so very much for this TODAY. Would it be ok if I put this blog post into this years comfort book, please? These are just journals I keep for myself. I’ve only ever published a few pages and that was just hand written notes, I put one blog post on here to try and help someone. Do you remember I told you I spent all my childhood holidays up in the Highlands and Islands? (I live in Wales) It was my parents love of Scotland that infected me from a very young age, I’m 50 now. Well Iona is my Mum’s favourite place in the whole world, I remember when I was 12 being in the tiny boat crossing over to Iona, seeing all the seals etc, I was cold and cross and bored but whilst there something changed in me and I just got it! Last year I almost lost her 4 times but she battled through, she’s 83 blind and disabled, she has been the most lovely inspirational Mum anyone could ever wish for, I’ve been so very very blessed, but today I looked into her eyes and I think she has had enough suffering now. She prayed 18 months ago to God to give her more years until she knew I was going to be ok after the vaccine damage and the consequences of all that, there is only myself, my Mum & my daughter left, but today I could see in her eyes that she wants to let go now. Your post has brought back so many happy memories, I don’t have any photo’s of that special day. Wow, I will treasure this. You nurture this special talent you have and I hope (I apologise for making assumptions about your age here lol) in years to come that you will look back on this place Iona, with such very happy memories. I’ve discovered along the journey of life that the simplest of things and places hold the greatest riches. God bless. Su x
This comment has brought tears to my eyes Su. Use this post as you wish and I am so glad this has brought you some comfort and joy. I lost a wonderful father-in-law a couple of months ago and he had spoken to my husband and I with enthusiasm about Iona (he had never been but had read about it and wanted us to go!). Today was a very special day for us also for that reason. I would be happy to send you a print if you would like one? Just email me your address to Lauracookphotography@hotmail.co.uk – sometimes things are nice to have in our hands and not on a screen. God bless you and your mum.
Ah Laura, thank you so very much, that is such a kind gesture and I would love to have a print, especially knowing how special the day was for you both also. Thank you so much. I will email you my address. Do you have a Paypal account so I can at least cover the cost of the postage? I am going to frame it and when I look at it I will be forever thankful for such lovely parents who’s love of nature and beauty rubbed off on me and has lasted a lifetime. We are blessed with much beauty around us. Thank you so much, Su x
Reblogged this on Outside The Box and commented:
Thank you so very much for this TODAY. Would it be ok if I put this blog post into this years comfort book, please? These are just journals I keep for myself. I’ve only ever published a few pages and that was just hand written notes, I put one blog post on here to try and help someone. Do you remember I told you I spent all my childhood holidays up in the Highlands and Islands? (I live in Wales) It was my parents love of Scotland that infected me from a very young age, I’m 50 now. Well Iona is my Mum’s favourite place in the whole world, I remember when I was 12 being in the tiny boat crossing over to Iona, seeing all the seals etc, I was cold and cross and bored but whilst there something changed in me and I just got it! Last year I almost lost her 4 times but she battled through, she’s 83 blind and disabled, she has been the most lovely inspirational Mum anyone could ever wish for, I’ve been so very very blessed, but today I looked into her eyes and I think she has had enough suffering now. She prayed 18 months ago to God to give her more years until she knew I was going to be ok after the vaccine damage and the consequences of all that, there is only myself, my Mum & my daughter left, but today I could see in her eyes that she wants to let go now. Your post has brought back so many happy memories, I don’t have any photo’s of that special day. Wow, I will treasure this. You nurture this special talent you have and I hope (I apologise for making assumptions about your age here lol) in years to come that you will look back on this place Iona, with such very happy memories. I’ve discovered along the journey of life that the simplest of things and places hold the greatest riches. God bless. Su x
Thank you so much for sharing such a touching and beautiful post – the photos, the words, the heart behind them all. I shouldn’t be surprised that you have such a great love of Scotland, Su…my heart belongs there too and yet, I’ve never been to see it. Most of my ancestors are Scottish, though we have a few Irish rogues as well. I have every intention of coming to the UK in the future for a good, long stay, though I know I won’t want to leave and come back to this rugged, brown land.
I’m keeping your mother in my prayers – for safe passage onto the next stage; into God’s arms at last. May she have no suffering and no fear; only peace, love and joy. May her heaven be just like Iona.
I’m going to have a look at Laura’s page now – she has amazing talent! And in answer to a question on another of your posts…yes, it’s ME I have, and it isn’t recognized at all in Oz. I’ve had to chase down the diagnosis myself while the doctors treat me like a mad woman. 🙂
I’ll be checking in on you over the coming days to see how you and your lovely mother are faring. xx
I’ve never thought to be able to spot these kinds of views here. Worth to plan a trip! beautiful