What
Iona is one of Scotland’s smallest inhabited islands yet it has enormous historical significance as the place where St Columba founded his monastery in AD 563. It later had a major influence in the spread of Christianity and was widely known for its spiritual, intellectual and artistic creativity.
Despite Viking raids, Columba’s monastery survived into the 1100s. Benedictine monks were invited to found a new abbey on the island in the 12th century. Historic Scotland recently completed a major re-presentation of the site.
Where
Iona is off the southwest coast of Mull in the Inner Hebrides. It has about 120 permanent residents.
Collection
Historic Scotland’s redeveloped museum features the largest and most important collection of early medieval carved stone crosses and cross slabs in Scotland.
There is also a reproduction of the world-famous Iona manuscript, the Book of Kells, which was created on the island, along with archaeological finds telling the story of life in the early monastery.
Highlights
“Iona is very important because of its tremendous cultural significance and its recognition around the world as a sacred place,” says Peter Yeoman, Historic Scotland’s head of cultural heritage and an Iona expert. “It has a unique Christian heritage that goes back to the 500s.”
The collection includes St Oran’s Cross – the world’s oldest Celtic cross, which dates back to the 8th century.
When
The redeveloped museum opened to visitors and pilgrims in May. There is also a new reception facility, better signage and an audio guide.
Help at hand
Many Historic Scotland staff worked on the redevelopment. “My job was to lead the research team – all of our projects are research-led,” says Yeoman. “You only get a chance once in a generation to tackle the interpretation and redisplay so you have to get it right.”
Visitors
50,000 paying visitors a year (it is £7.10 for adult admission to the abbey); up to 200,000 visit the island.
Budget
The redevelopment project at Iona cost approximately £800,000.
Sticky moment
The conservation of the medieval carved stones, grave slabs and crosses connected to the site was a major challenge for Historic Scotland, particularly transporting them to the mainland for conservators to work on them.
“There was huge amounts of conservation required by our team,” says Yeoman. “The objects are enormously heavy but very delicate. And Iona is an island off an island. The logistical part of that was very difficult.”
Future plans
There are now high-quality images of every medieval carved stone. This will be developed as an online public resource.
www.ionahistory.org.uk
Iona is one of Scotland’s smallest inhabited islands yet it has enormous historical significance as the place where St Columba founded his monastery in AD 563. It later had a major influence in the spread of Christianity and was widely known for its spiritual, intellectual and artistic creativity.
Despite Viking raids, Columba’s monastery survived into the 1100s. Benedictine monks were invited to found a new abbey on the island in the 12th century. Historic Scotland recently completed a major re-presentation of the site.
Where
Iona is off the southwest coast of Mull in the Inner Hebrides. It has about 120 permanent residents.
Collection
Historic Scotland’s redeveloped museum features the largest and most important collection of early medieval carved stone crosses and cross slabs in Scotland.
There is also a reproduction of the world-famous Iona manuscript, the Book of Kells, which was created on the island, along with archaeological finds telling the story of life in the early monastery.
Highlights
“Iona is very important because of its tremendous cultural significance and its recognition around the world as a sacred place,” says Peter Yeoman, Historic Scotland’s head of cultural heritage and an Iona expert. “It has a unique Christian heritage that goes back to the 500s.”
The collection includes St Oran’s Cross – the world’s oldest Celtic cross, which dates back to the 8th century.
When
The redeveloped museum opened to visitors and pilgrims in May. There is also a new reception facility, better signage and an audio guide.
Help at hand
Many Historic Scotland staff worked on the redevelopment. “My job was to lead the research team – all of our projects are research-led,” says Yeoman. “You only get a chance once in a generation to tackle the interpretation and redisplay so you have to get it right.”
Visitors
50,000 paying visitors a year (it is £7.10 for adult admission to the abbey); up to 200,000 visit the island.
Budget
The redevelopment project at Iona cost approximately £800,000.
Sticky moment
The conservation of the medieval carved stones, grave slabs and crosses connected to the site was a major challenge for Historic Scotland, particularly transporting them to the mainland for conservators to work on them.
“There was huge amounts of conservation required by our team,” says Yeoman. “The objects are enormously heavy but very delicate. And Iona is an island off an island. The logistical part of that was very difficult.”
Future plans
There are now high-quality images of every medieval carved stone. This will be developed as an online public resource.
www.ionahistory.org.uk
