A Hebridean Odyssey: Part 2 - Iona and Staffa

In May 2022 we took a trip visiting 16 Hebridean islands (17 if you include Staffa).
This video is the second in a series that documents this trip, and is a diary of our visit to Iona and our boat trip to Staffa.
Iona is where St Columba landed in a coracle from Ireland in 563. He established a monastery and spread the Christian faith. The current Abbey sits on the site of that original monastery and is still home to a vibrant Christian community. We visited St Oran’s Chapel and Graveyard, which has been in use since the 8th Century, the legendary burial place of early Scottish kings and chiefs of powerful clans.
Iona is a “Thin Place”, where it is possible to feel peace and tranquillity, with its turquoise seas, white sand beaches and rich spiritual heritage.
Our trip to Staffa was onboard the Iolaire of Iona, in rough seas - making a landing on the island or sailing into Fingal's Cave impossible, but it was still dramatic to see the waves crashing against the iconic basalt columns.
Music:
Anthony Ashur: St Columba from Mirror Morning
Stephen Roach: Thin Places from Closer to the Burning
Cynthia A Boener: St Columba from Gentle Strains
Garrett Viggers: Pilgrims from Thin Places
Celtic Expressions: Be Thou My Vision
Northumbria Community: St Columba's Blessing