The Isle of Iona, off the west coast of Scotland, is a small island of just three miles long and one mile across, but its royal past and present cultural significance make this sacred place a powerful part of Scotland’s identity and history.
Iona has been home to the kingdom of Dál Riata and its ancient kings, with the most famous of these being Macbeth, the eponymous King of Scotland from the play by William Shakespeare. The Macbeths ruled this island from the late 5th to the 11th centuries AD. The island was also the birthplace of Scotland’s first king, Kenneth I, who was crowned in 843 AD, and many others came after him, including the controversial Robert the Bruce, who restored Scotland’s independence in 1314.
The island was also a major centre of Christianity in Medieval Scotland, hosting the Gaelic monastery founded by St. Columba in 563. It stands in stark contrast to the religious turmoil on the mainland, as Iona was a centre of spiritual learning, with its own established culture, language and traditions. It was renowned throughout the British Isles as the major pilgrimage site of the time, with many different kings and religious figures visiting to pay tribute to the many kings and saints buried here.
Today, Iona serves as a herald of Scottish history and culture, a stark reminder of the past and a place of solace for those seeking its spiritual wisdom. It is home to Dun I, the Iron Age fort of the Macbeths, and Iona Abbey, a former monastery which was rebuilt in the 11th century and is now the centre of worship for the Iona Community. Iona is renowned for its incredible beauty, with white sandy beaches and immaculate landscape, never ceasing to amaze visitors.
The island is also held in high regard as the final resting place of many Scottish kings and nobles, including Macbeth and Robert the Bruce, who lie at its centre in a royal graveyard, known as Reilig Odhrain, a historic cemetery that contains the tombs of more than 50 kings from throughout Scotland's history. Many of them have been laid to rest here since its founding by St. Columba in the 6th century.
Iona has always been a place of great importance, but today, its influence stretches far beyond the small island into the heart of Scotland’s culture, forming an integral part of its national identity. Its majestic environment, inimitable history and deep connection to kings and religion makes it an important place to visit in order to learn more about Scotland’s proud heritage. As such, Iona remains a powerful and iconic symbol of Scotland’s proud past.