SCOTLAND
Argyll & Bute
Iona is a small island off the West Coast of Mull, itself
off the West Coast of Scotland. Iona
Abbey, the Abbey museum, the Nunnery, St Oran's
Chapel as well as the ancient graveyard, The Reilig
Odhrain (Oran's Churchyard), contain a wealth of monuments from the earliest
times until the present day. Iona can be visited in
a day from Oban, on the West Coast, but, better still,
stay on the island in one of the hotels.
Below are
two medieval monuments. Originally in St Oran's Chapel, but now
in the Abbey museum, is the military effigy of Gilbride, a
Mackinnons chief, of the second half of the 13th century.. The inscription
indicates the effigy marks the burial site of five MacKinnons. Carved
in the second half of the 14th century; Iona school. The ecclesiastic
is Prior Cristinus MacGillescoil; note the double Y-shaped orphreys,
characteristic of the Western Highlands. Iona school, mid 15th century.
On
the left are two 20th century monuments in the Reilig Odhrain:
the simple granite stone to Bill Amos, the master mason responsible
for the rebuilding of the Abbey living quarters for the Iona Community;
and the stone to the Rt Hon John Smith MP, the former leader of
the Labour Party.
On the right with the island of Mull in the
background is the 19th century monuments to several mariners who
drowned following a shipwreck on the coast of Iona.
Oronsay
Priory
A visit to Oronsay Priory is recommended but only for the fit enthusiast! Oronsay is a small island off the West Coast with a population of eight in 1991. Take the ferry from Oban to Scalasaig on the Island of Colonsay. Follow the B8086 from the ferry east, turn left (south) on the B8055, a distance of about three miles - either on foot or take the post bus - to The Strand which separates the two islands. The Strand, about a mile in length, can be crossed at low tide by foot on a designated path and it is then about a mile's walk to the priory. The ruins are delightful, second only to Iona. There are over thirty medieval monuments - both carved stones and effigies - which are housed in roofed building.