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Iona & St Columba

A selection of media reflecting the religious and cultural importance of St Columba and his monastic centre on the island of Iona. The influence of this group of monks reverberates through Scotland's history and even today the island is regarded as a sacred place by Christians and non-Christians alike.


This is part of an early poem reflecting Columba’s status on Iona and the influence he had on his followers as a guide in this life and the next. It is believed to have been written c.630 by Beccan mac Luigdech: a member of Iona’s early community administration. The name Colum Cille is Columba's Gaelic name.

'In Praise of Colum Cille'

Bound to Colum, while I speak,
may the bright one guard me in the seven heavens,
when I go to the road of fear,
I am not lordless: I have strength.

It was not on cushioned beds
he bent to his complex prayers:
he crucified - not for crimes-
his body on the grey waves.

He stakes the marvellous claim
when Mo Chummae set down in Iona.
It's more than anyone can grasp,
what the King did for his sake.

Though it was known near and far
who Colum was, he was unique.
His name glistened like the sun;
he was the light before all.

The one best thing of all things:
he has freed his monks from wealth,
a great beacon, after his death,
the name that’s nobler than men’s.

The shield of a few, a crowd’s shield,
a fort where all unsafe are safe;
he is a tight fort - fair prize,
to be in Colum Cille’s care.

No slight refuge after penance,
for one who’d not thin down his tale:
he parted with true sayings,
with fair news in his mouth for kings.

Singly triumphant over lust,
the northern folk raised a flame.
Well-known, well born, greatly blessed
the pure mother who screamed for him.

To heaven’s King he was known,
towards each threat He lit his mind;
greatly blessed in every plight
he who’d praise Colum ua Neill.