Iona

Iona is a small, low-lying island in Argyll and Bute, off the west coast of Mull in Scotland, known for its white sandy beaches, machair grasslands and a tiny, close-knit community (only a few dozen permanent residents). It’s reached by a short ferry from Fionnphort and feels remote despite being a very popular destination for day visitors, walkers and those seeking quiet.

Its main claim to fame is the early medieval monastery founded by St Columba in the 6th century, with Iona Abbey still a focal point for pilgrimage, Christian history and the ecumenical Iona Community. The island’s economy is largely sustained by tourism, small-scale crofting and hospitality, and it retains a strong Gaelic and artistic presence alongside layers of history - from burial traditions of early Scottish kings to links with manuscript culture.