| − | The Isle of Iona is a member of the Inner Hebridies group located off the West coast of Scotland. A centre of pagan learning in pre-Christian times, an abbey was founded on Iona by Saint [[Columba]] in 563 AD. | + | The Isle of '''Iona''' is a member of the [[Inner Hebrides]] group located off the West coast of [[Scotland]]. The great missionary St. Columba founded an abbey there in AD 563, which became the base for extensive missionary activity throughout western Europe.<ref>''How the Irish Saved Civilization''</ref> Monks in Iona Abbey also preserved many ancient texts.<ref>http://www.allsaintsbrookline.org/celtic_saints/columba.html</ref> St. Columba is buried there, together with many Scottish kings, including Macbeth.<ref>http://www.ionaabbey.com/</ref> It is currently a popular tourist destination. |