Mull and Iona
The second largest island in the Inner Hebridies, Mull lies of the West coast of Scotland, accessible by ferry from Oban. It is an island of spectacular scenery, and rich in wildlife including golden eagles and sea eagles. West of Mull are Iona and the Treshnish Islands to the north, including Staffa, famous for the basalt structures that form Fingal's cave. I first spent time on Mull in 2011, but has crossed it before on route to Iona, where I spent a summer in 1996 and returned on a number of short visits. Sailing from Ireland in the 6th Century, St Columba reached the island of Iona and established a Celtic monastery there. A Beneditine Abbey was constructed around 1200 - it was left derelict after the Reformation, but reconstructed 1938-1965 as the centre for the Iona Community, an ecumenical Christian community dedicated to working for peace and justice. The Community also offers weeks of study and worship for visitors from all over the world. Iona feels a long way from anywhere, which is part of its appeal - it is one of the most peaceful places I have ever visited.
