Historic Scotland - Iona

by Anna Ritchie

Set at the western tip of Mull in the Inner Hebrides, the small island of Iona is the burial place of kings and the kernel from which Christianity took root among the pagan Picts, as well as being a symbol of Scottish independence. The island was also St Columba's choice for his spiritual base in 563. This book tells the archaeological story of Iona, from Columba's monastery to the island's restoration and renewal in the late-1870s, assessing the many excavations on the island itself within the wider context of Pictland and Northumbria.

128 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1997

About the author

Dr. Anna Ritchie OBE, BA, PhD, FSA, Hon FSA Scot, née Bachelier, was a British archaeologist and historian. She was brought up in Surrey and developed her interest in archaeology as a schoolgirl. She studied at University College, Cardiff, and in the mid-sixties moved to Edinburgh where she was a postgraduate student in the University's Department of Archaeology.

Ritchie directed archaeological excavations at Point of Buckqoy, Knap of Howar and Holm of Papa Westray in Orkney. Works commissioned by RCAHMS and historic Scotland include guides to the stones of Meigle and St. Vigeans, and introductions to Viking Scotland, Iona, and Exploring Scotland's Heritage: Orkney and Shetland. With her husband J.N. Graham Ritchie she wrote Scotland: Archaeology and Early History. She contributed papers to Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and edited several volumes (1972-78, 2004-2005).

She was a member of the Ancient Monuments Board for Scotland and a trustee of both the National Museums of Scotland and the British Museum.

Reviews

[Filip Šimek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting introduction to one of the most magical places I've ever seen. I enjoyed the part with historical background of Iona Abbey and it's founder st. Columba. Pity I didn't have this knowledge when I had the opportunity to visit the island.