It is a privilege to call Iona home to Aosdana and our collections of island and celtic inspired jewellery designs.

A pilgrimage destination since early Christian times, Iona is a tiny island off the west coast of Scotland just 1.5 miles wide by 3 miles long, with a population of around 170 permanent residents.  Often described as the jewel in the Hebridean crown of islands, Iona’s beauty and tranquillity are world renowned. The journey here from mainland Scotland takes you across land and sea and is a modern-day pilgrimage in itself through some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery.

You can discover how to travel to Iona through our fabulous local community website Welcome to Iona and once on the island there is a lot to explore for such a small place, whether you’re here for an afternoon or staying for longer.  

A visit to Iona Abbey and Nunnery are essential for lovers of medieval history and for an insight to the life of St. Columba and his monastery. The Abbey is open daily and offers guided tours throughout the day. Lunch, afternoon tea and shopping can easily be fitted in around this and there is plenty of choice on the island, from the licensed hotels - The Argyll and the St. Columba to the wonderful Rookery Cafe, just beside Iona’s Heritage Centre - also well worth a visit to learn about the social and cultural life of the island.

Of course, you must also visit Aosdàna - you’ll find us on the road to Iona Abbey, just opposite the St. Columba Hotel, in our lovingly restored steadings buildings. We hope you will see some reflections of your island exploration in our jewellery, and maybe find something to help keep your Iona memories alive after you continue your journey.

There are other fabulous craft businesses on Iona; The Iona Craft Shop, not far from the pier has just opened a new space dedicated to their Iona Wool enterprise and products, and Oran Crafts is a collective of nine crafters, also housed at the St. Columba Steadings beside Aosdàna.  Further up the road, on the site of the old millstream beyond the Abbey, you’ll find Iona Pottery and Gallery which specialises in Iona paintings from the Colourists to contemporary artists.

If all that sounds far too exhausting, take a gentle stroll to one of the island’s beautiful beaches known for their white sands and turquoise seas. Here you can pass your time listening to the voices of the shore and the rhythm of the ferry coming and going across the Sound of Iona.

Finally, don’t forget to watch out for dolphins from the Iona ferry - our favourite maritime visitors, the ferry has been known to take a detour just to let passengers enjoy the show.

For more information on travel, accommodation and activities, we recommend our local community website Welcome to Iona.