News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

PA Chris Watt Photography
PA Chris Watt Photography
PA Chris Watt Photography
PA Chris Watt Photography
World News

Princess Anne visits ancient Abbey on Scottish island after multimillion pound renovation

by Press Association

Living areas at the ancient Iona Abbey have reopened after they were renovated following a multi-million-pound fundraising campaign.

The Princess Royal visited the Hebridean island this week and spoke at a special service at the 13th-century abbey to celebrate the refurbished community and living spaces.

The Iona Abbey Capital Appeal raised £3.75 million from around 2,500 donations, which came from people in 22 different countries.

The new facilities in the living quarters include modernised and retrofitted bedroom and community areas, a completely renovated refectory, a new kitchen and scullery with dumb waiter, comprehensive rewiring, insulation and a new plumbing system.

 

Princess Anne, PA by Chris Watt Photography 

The island of Iona has been described as the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland after St Columba and 12 companions went there from Ireland in AD 563.

Speaking in Iona Abbey during the service of blessing on Monday, the Princess Royal said she was pleased to be there “to celebrate that the life of work and worship in this ancient place has been secured for many years to come”.

She said: “Access is vital because the people who come to stay at the abbey are the life of the building, forming a community committed to justice and peace.

“1,500 years since St Columba’s birth, and almost a century since Iona Abbey was rebuilt in the shadow of the Great Depression, now, in the shadow of a world pandemic, the Iona community is standing once again on its ancient foundations to meet another moment of historic crisis and deep need.”

The Princess Royal received a freshly-baked loaf of bread from the new kitchen and a special posy from a local schoolboy.

She was piped around the Abbey cloisters by three young bagpipers from the island.

Each donor to the fundraising appeal has their name etched in a special book that has been designed in a similar way to the Book of Kells, which the Princess Royal signed during her visit.

Iona community leader Ruth Harvey said: “This is a landmark moment in the history of Iona Abbey. Dedicated and visionary volunteers devoted so much time, effort and shared wisdom to make this happen.

“The mystery of faith is evident in the sheer hard work and determination of individuals. People who come to the abbey can expect a warm welcome, beautiful space to live and to join with us in community.

“Our movement is now more sustainable, more open and more accessible than ever before, for all who seek a world of justice and peace through community.”

Iona Abbey, PA by Chris Watt Photography

 

The abbey will now also be able to tap into the Iona Ground Source Heat Project which is part of the island’s low carbon initiative which will deliver sustainable heating for the abbey, hotels, village hall, school, businesses and homes.

Christine Jones, who led the Iona Abbey Capital Appeal, said the reopening is “a sign of hope for the rebuilding of individual lives and of community in Scotland and beyond”.

During her visit, Anne also spoke to BBC Songs of Praise for a special episode due to air on BBC One on 27th June and visited the Iona village hall, which has also been rebuilt following a major fundraising effort.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate