Iona and Tobermory

Overnight we had sailed from Northern Ireland to the Western Isles and arrived at around 7am at Iona, which is close to the Isle of Mull, and our first view of Iona Abbey

After breakfast we went ashore in the Zodiac, driven by Kate.

Once on shore, we walked a short distance to the ruins of the Nunnery, where Victoria  explained its history. 

From there, it was a short walk to the abbey, passing several vegetable gardens being tended by locals.

To the side of the road was a Celtic cross, erected over 500 years ago. Apparently, the pilgrims to the abbey would stop and give thanks at the cross.

Close to the abbey was St. Oran's Chapel, where John Smith, the former Labour leader, is buried in the graveyard. Various kings of Scotland, including Macbeth and Duncan, are purported to be buried there, but the gravestones have been moved or obliterated, so the exact whereabouts are unknown.

We then had an introductory talk on the history of Iona Abbey by Imogen, our historian. She spoke really well and we learned several interesting facts, such as the origin of the phrase 'the weak going to the wall'. It is based on the infirm being unable to stand for long times at church services and, as a result, sitting on the benches placed along the church walls.

The abbey was founded by St. Columba in 563 after he had been exiled from his native Ireland. It is believed that the Book of Kells was produced on Iona towards the end of the 8th century.

We visited the abbey gift shop and the small Abbey Museum, which houses the remains of the original Cross of St. John. The one outside the Abbey is a replica, whereas the other cross nearby (St. Martin's) is the real thing. The Abbey gardens are delightful with organically-grown herbs and other plants. We saw doves flying into the tower. St. Columba, who brought Christianity to much of Britain and parts of Europe, is represented by a dove. 

Iona is a very beautiful place and we were fortunate to visit it on such a lovely sunny day. Imogen's talk was most enlightening and amusing. We look forward to her lectures.

We then made our way back to the ship for our lunch, during which we set sail for the Isle of Mull and our next port of call, the small fishing village of Tobermory.

On our way north, we passed the small island of Staffa where Fingal's Cave is located. Staffa was visited by Queen Victoria and Mendelssohn was inspired here to write his Hebrides Overture, also known as "Fingal's Cave'. We didn't stop, but cruised close to the island so we could take photos. There were quite a few hikers climbing on the island.

When we arrived at Tobermory, the rain was pouring down, so we put on all our waterproof clothes for the short Zodiac ride to shore. We had decided not to do the walk, but stay in the town. Firstly, we climbed the hill (The Brae) above the port and had tea in the Tobermory Arts Centre and Tearoom, An Tobar. It is housed in an old school. We dried out while drinking excellent cups of tea and sharing a piece of lime and blueberry cake. I had an interesting chat with the lady serving us about Scottish independence. She was an undecided voter.

We had a good view of Tobermory from above the harbour, with the Explorer at anchor in the distance.

The rain eased up and we walked down the hill to the Ferry Pier, where we took photos of the colourful houses lining the harbour.

We walked back to where the Zodiacs were docked and returned to the ship. The rain by now had stopped and, as we set sail for the overnight crossing to Stornoway, the sun came out.

At dinner we joined Olive and John from Somerset and Mike and Natalie from Vermont.

After a delightful evening, we went up on deck and photographed a stunning sunset. The sea was as flat as a pancake and the brilliant colours of the evening sky were beautifully reflected in the water. We spent half an hour enjoying the spectacle with several of the passengers before heading for our cabin.

We will be arriving in Stornoway at 7.30am tomorrow.