Isle of Iona

Iona is an island in the Inner Hebrides, off the Ross of Mull on the western coast of Scotland. It is known for its historic abbey and beautiful beaches.  We spent the day there. It was a short (10 minute) ferry ride from Fionnphort on Mull.

Land area: 3.39 square miles

Estimated population: 178

Beach front

Boats

Traps

Waterfront street

McClean's Cross, c. late 1400's

Summer residence

Organic gardens

Iona War Memorial

Bicycles

The path

Of course, a golf course!

Iona's economy is based on seasonal tourism, fishing, and farming. Approximately 1000 sheep and a smaller number of cattle graze across the island's rough coastal pastures. After June shearing, the sheep's wool is utilized by the local heritage brand Iona Wool. The lambs and cattle are processed on the neighboring Isle of Mull.

Sheep grazing

Suffolk tup

Along the top

A Scotch Mule?

A lost lamb

Hauling hay