Royal reopening for Abbey renovation

Photo: iStock

IONA Abbey was reopened in June, following a renovation that is one of the most significant in its modern history and makes the ancient site of worship and pilgrimage sustainable and accessible as never before.

HRH Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, visited the tiny Hebridean island and spoke at a special service to celebrate the comprehensively refurbished community and living spaces.

The new facilities in the 12th century living quarters include modernised and retrofitted bedroom and community areas, a completely renovated refectory, a new kitchen and scullery, comprehensive rewiring, insulation, and a new plumbing system.

A lift has been fitted and stairs removed to ensure the new facility is fully accessible, including dedicated bedrooms for guests with special access requirements.

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, delivering sustainable heating for the Abbey, hotels, Village Hall, school, businesses and homes.

The Iona Abbey Capital Appeal raised £3.75 million from 2,500 donations coming from people in 22 different countries. Donations ranged from £2 to £900,000. A highlight of the campaign was what organisers call their “miracle in May”.

In May 2018, £312,000 was raised in a single month, allowing work to proceed to the crucial next phase and avoiding costly and time-consuming delays.

Each donor has their name etched in a special book that has been designed in a similar way to the Book of Kells. The Princess Royal signed the book in Iona Abbey on Monday. The book will be digitised with stories included behind each name.

Two pupils from Iona Primary School recounted the history of Iona, stretching back to 5000 BC, and welcomed Princess Anne and other guests to the celebration. “Our ancestors lie with the ancient kings of Scotland,” they told the congregation. “We are proud members of the community of Iona. And you are most welcome to our home.”

Princess Anne spoke to BBC Songs of Praise for a special episode which aired on BBC One on June 27, and visited Iona Village Hall, which has also been rebuilt following a major fundraising effort.

Speaking in Iona Abbey during the service of blessing, Princess Anne 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. 1500 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.”

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.”

The youngest donor to the Iona Abbey Capital Appeal was Joshua, aged 9, from Falkirk, who sold his toy to raise funds. He said: “When I go back to Iona I am looking forward to the new bedrooms, to see if they are warmer. I want to see the new common room, to have biscuits and hot chocolate.”