#Isle of Iona

[throughthemeadowflowers]

Isle of Iona, Scotland, summer 2022

[klemd]

Iona ー North End

ID: First image: acrylic painting on canvas standing on an easel. It depicts a rough sandy beach with rocks sticking out of the water, with bright green, wet algae growing on some of the smaller rocks in the foreground, from a crouched perspective. The sky is light blue with a few streaky clouds. Several small islands can be seen on the horizon. Second image: a close-up of the painting. End ID

[deirdreslovebitch]

[scribblesandsnaps]

isle of dreams

The last night of my sojourn on the sacred isle of Iona was a torment of dreams. The next day a walk through a liminal space on the way homeward, a ferry, a bus, another ferry, a long car drive, a stop over away from home and then more cars, buses and trains to land me here at the cabin. Plenty of time to scribble in my notebook and then pull something of the ramblings together to submit a piece…

[frimleyblogger]

Tobermory Hebridean Gin

The spirit of the Isle of #Mull from @TobDistillery a malty, herby #gin bought on a recent visit to @DrinkfinderUK #ginreview

Famous for its brightly painted houses that line the main street up to the pier, with a backdrop of tree-lined hills that look across the Sound of Mull, Tobermory is the principal town on the Hebridean island of Mull and the starting point for a trip to Iona. If you stay the night in the town, as I did some years ago, the whisky distillery, originally known as Ledaig Distillery when it was…

[pollybert]

Iona Abbey and Nunnery

One of my main draws to go to Isle of Mull was the chance to visit Iona. There is so much history connected to this small island. I’ve read lot about the Vikings and therefore knew that they attacked this island several times. The first time they attacked was in 795, so imagine what life on this remote island must have looked like to be be even a target for the gold-hungry Vikings. Iona was the…

[talonabraxas]

Bridget, Bright Goddess of the Gael Talon Abraxas

Brigid was a goddess of the Tuatha Dé Danann. She was a daughter of the chief of the gods, The Dagda, and was known as a goddess of healers, poets, smiths, childbirth and inspiration. Her name means "exalted one". This article by Branfionn NicGrioghair explores the story of Brigid and the later Christian Saint, St. Brigid, who is still honoured to this day, especially in Faughart, her birthplace, and Kildare, where she founded a monastery.

Brigid is the Daughter of the Dagda, one of the more universal deities of the pagan Gaelic world. She is known as the Goddess of Healers, Poets, Smiths, Childbirth and Inspiration; Goddess of Fire and Hearth and a patron of warfare or Briga. Her soldiers were called Brigands. Her name means "Exalted One." She is also known as Brigantia, Brid, Bride, Briginda, Brigdu, and Brigit. She is said to lean over every cradle. The lore and customs have continued to this day regarding Brighid, more vividly than all the other Gaelic deities combined.

In the middle ages, Brigid is in many stories. In one she is the wife of Bres, the half-Fomorian ruler of the Tuatha Dé Danann. Their son, Ruadan, wounded the smith god Giobhniu at the second battle of Magh Tuireadh but he himself was slain in the combat. Brigid then went to the battlefield to mourn her son. This was said to be the first caoine (keening), or lament, heard in Ireland. Until recent time, it was a tradition to hire women to caoine at every graveside. In another story, Brighid was the wife of Tuireann and had three sons: Brian, Iuchar and Ircharba. In the tale, The Sons of Tuirean, these three killed the god Cian, father of Lugh Lámhfhada when he was in the form of a pig.

She was transformed by the Church of St. Brigid into St. Brigid about 453 C.E. Saint Brighid is known as the patroness of farm work and cattle, and protector of the household from fire and calamity. To this day, one of her most common names in Gaelic is Muime Chriosd, "Foster-Mother of Christ." St. Brigid was said to be the daughter of Dubthach, a Druid who brought her from Ireland to be raised on the Isle of Iona, sometimes called "The Druid's Isle."

By Branfionn NicGrioghair

[scotianostra]

Good Morning from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Sunrise from the Isle of Iona

📸 camasbrewery/Martin Fiona Haworth on Instagram

[gnostix1]

Isle of Iona, Scotland. The ruins of the Augustinian Nunnery built in the early 1200s. A monastary had been established there about 500 years earlier by St Columba. The Scottish Reformation put an end to both of them on the mid-1500s.

Iona claims to be home to "Celtic Christianity," a movement finding favor in recent years for its more liberal sensitivities than the Roman Catholic church.

****

And an update of sorts.... Histories of the place are contradictory in many respects. Although the religious community on Iona was founded by St Columba on or about CE 563, and based on practices in Ireland, in 1203 a Benedictine orientation (with all the rights and privileges thereof) founded the abbey and nunnery substantially seen today. St Columba's familia from Ireland staged a series of raids on Iona in response. And in 1209/10, a Norwegian religio-political emissary to the site degenerated into an old-fashioned Viking raid, the last on record. File this under weird history.

[sthildaseaadventures-blog]

Isle of Mull, Inner Hebrides Scottish Cruise

Pictures from a recent six night 'Mull Odyssey Cruise: Staffa, Iona and the Ross of Mull' onboard our small ship Gemini Explorer.

Many thanks to guest Clive for sharing these pictures.

[jimrichardsonng]

Scotland Fix of the Day: I’m excited to say that in a couple of weeks I’ll be back in Scotland gazing at Eilean Donan castle after sailing down the Caledonian canal and out into the Inner Hebrides. I'll be aboard the Lord of the Glens with National Geographic Expeditions, a trip I've done before. Two hundred years ago industrious Scots were digging this historic canal, building it large enough to carry a 32 gun frigate, at the time of the Napoleonic wars. It’s considerably more peaceful now, wildflowers were growing along the canal trail on this morning as we hiked along the canal trail, catching up with the boat at the next loch. The canal starts in Inverness and ends near Ft. William. In between it connects Loch Ness (montser there), Loch Oich (might have a monster) and Loch Lochy, past castles, villages and pubs, through stunning scenery and the kind of history any Outlander fan might relish. The Lord of the Glens always draws a crowd as we ascend the locks in Fort Augustus. Back in the day when the locks were operated by capstans it took half a day to get through but now it’s usually about 90 minutes. After a stop on the Isle of Eigg (or maybe Rum) in the Small Isles we'll be on to Iona, always a pretty sight with boats coming and going. Granite boulders forming the Street of the Dead (Sraid nam Marbh) leading off to Iona Abbey have lain here on Iona for more than 1,000 years. Along this processional way the bodies of Scottish Kings (MacBeth included) and royalty were carried to their graves in Reilig Odhráin from Martyr’s Bay, where Viking raiders killed 68 monks in 806 AD. In the evening we dock in the harbor at Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, looking out at what has to be one of the prettiest waterfronts of any Scottish island village. It’s famed for the signature red, yellow, and blue buildings that the children’s television show “Balamory” made famous. It's a terrific trip, full of history, great landscapes and culture. And who knows, we might get a dram of whisky along the way. #scotland #highlands #outlander #epic_landscape #highlands #bestofscotland #hiddenscotland #thehighlandcollective #scotland_highlights #ig_scotland #visitscotland — view on Instagram https://ift.tt/aGvrQRc

[officalroyalsofpierreland]

Private Estate, Isles of Paradisio, Pierreland

Louis: The Isles are definately a family favorite in terms of vaction spots....the family has always had a house here but Mama really was the one that made it more functional for the 8 of us to spend time together and also make Papa do less work Eloise: I cannot imagine growing up with 5 other siblings...my brother and I are just enough drama on our own! Louis: Well, it does help when there's a big age gap...Felipe used to take me on the jet skis while Edmund would tech me how to dive...meanwhile Isabella always made sure to snatch me from my brothers when it looked like I was going to fall asleep in the water! Each trio is a little unit and the bigger one looks after us...sometimes I think a little too closely until recently with Felipe and his wives looking to welcome 2 kids and Eddie and Dee looking to welcome twins Eloise: So you're saying that they had parenthood practice? Louis: Yep! They all mean well, just like my friends...they'll love you!

Eloise: You seem so certain Louis: They've always said that they want to see me happy...and well...you make me happy! So time for them to put their money where their mouths are! Eloise: You are too adorable.

Maxwell: Where is he Hen? Seriously...he knows I burn like a lobster... Henri: Well...he got here early with Eloise so they're probably busy Maxwell: Watcher Dammit Lou...think with your brain and not your- Henri: Sadly Lou took my key cause he left his in Windensen before he went to Iona...he's collecting the miles on the jet to Papa's chagrin.

Magdalena: Did you ever think your career would come to this Captain Mace? Equerry to the Heir? Capt Mace[chuckling]: Not at all Your Royal Highness...in fact, I thought I'd be in command of another ship but the Watcher had other plans for me Magdalena: Surely you'll be able to once more get out on the seas? Perhaps you could practice on the boat? Capt Mace: A splendid idea Ma'am. I'll make sure to- Maxwell: FINALLY! There you are Lou? Got lost?

Louis: I just lost track of time Maxie don't get your trunks in a twist...Everyone, this is Her Royal Highness Princess Eloise...Eloise, well you know Henri, the one complaining that I'm late is Maxwell, to his left is HRH Princess Magdalena of Lunaria who is the best friend I've mentioned and next to her is my newly appointed Equerry because of my dearest Papa, Captain Leopold Mace of the Imperial Navy. Eloise: Hello Everyone...sorry for keeping Louis... Magdalena: It's alright but if Lou Lou can kindly give Max the key so he doesn't burn any more than he has... Louis: OH...right...right...forgot I took Hen's key...

At the Dock near the Home

Magdalena: My mom has told me such wonderful stories of the Isles, and even though I've been here several times, I still cannot help but marvel at the beauty. Capt. Mace: I must agree with you Ma'am. I was stationed out here as a younger man, and it has always been quite the place, one of the most beautiful jewels of the Empire, along with the port cities of Oderia and the Island of Anjou. Magdalena: I have yet to go to Oderia and Anjou but the countryside of Siene is always so stunning, reminds me of home. Have you been to Lunaria Captain?

Capt. Mace: I was there while in university, I took a semester with the Lunarian Naval Academy...Your mother I believe came to speak to us Pierrelander Sailors and she remarked it was nice to hear the familiar tones of home. I only was able to be in the Captial though, I've heard the rest of Lunaria is beautiful and calming...perhaps if the Crown Prince, or the Emperor takes any engagements there then I shall join them. Magdalena: I hope you do! Though you may be stuck in the capital again, though I'm sure if it is Uncle David, Mom and Dad try to get him out to Ancastor so they can all breath a little.

Louis: Come Now Captain Mace, you have yet to undock the boat? Capt. Mace: I was doing some security checks while speaking with Her Royal Highness Sir... Louis: surely you could do both at a good speed, seeing as you are a sailor. Magdalena: Louis! He was making sure the boat was safe and we were discussing travel...be paitent!

Captain Mace: I was about to also let some of the party board before I undid the final ropes Sir. Louis: I think the boat is stable enough if you took off the last rope Captain. Capt Mace: Sir, I leave it with the intention of safety. Louis: Remove it Captain. Capt. Mace: Sir-

Capt Mace: As a Sailor and as someone who would like to keep everyone safe...I will not remove this- Louis: If you won't, I will! Eloise: Louis, this is unnecessary Magdalena [huffing under her breath]: Lou's stubborness is always unecessary

[Scuffle is had for the rope at the front of the boat and a splash is heard]

[Henri's laughter is heard through out the estate] Henri: Having a good dip brother? Your stubbornness worth it? Eloise: Louis? Are you alright? Louis: Quite...alright.. Magdalena: Ego a little bruised there Lou?

An hour or two later

Magdalena: What do you see in him? Eloise: I'm sorry? Magdalena: Of all the princes...people of the world...why Louis? Why not stay with that Arthur guy I read about... Eloise: I'd rather not talk tabloid gossip with you...Louis makes me Happy and I him. Magdalena: Oh, I just did some light research...kinda wanted to know what my best friend was getting into since..he's so naive...he's just a boy trying to be a man Eloise: You don't trust him? Magdalena: I trust him Eloise: So you don't trust me? Magdalena: I don't have enough information to go either way...but Lou trusts you. Eloise: That must count for something Magdalena: It does....but he's also...experiencing a relationship for the first time, he's nothing but a bag of walking hormones...and as you saw, He's impulsive and somewhat immature... Eloise: So are you trying to disuade me from dating him? Magdalena: Not at all...I just want you to know what you are getting...a boy in the body of a man whose brain isn't always in his head.

Louis: Hey Mags! Hey Elle! Elle, do you want to go for a dip with me? Eloise: I'm down! Henri: I know I'm down for some snacks...which I think Max found..

Henri: Come on Maggie! Let's go save some snacks from the ever hungry Max [whispers] And walk away from the snog fest going on behind us Magdalena[whispering]: Thanks Hen...I owe you Henri: Doesn't everyone?

@simsroyallegacy @funkyllama

[trade-wind]

Treshnish Isles to Toberonochy

Sunday 5th May 2024

Awoke to the sound of seals and a lot of mist. Having checked the forecast, we decided that the west coast of Mull might be a bit breezy this week so headed back to the mainland pausing at Staffa. Very spectacular at Fingal's Cave, particularly as no-one else was there! Continued south through the Sound of Iona. Sadly, it was so foggy by then that we could barely see the outline of the abbey. Paused in Tinker's Hole for a coffee before heading back to Toberonochy on Luing via the Corryveckan! Still so foggy we couldn't see land. Much checking of tides by the navigator as that's not one to get wrong! Very pleased with the result as we went through at slack so no exciting whirlpools. There were far more off the coast at The Great Race. Incredibly interesting water... Anchored at Toberonochy for a quiet evening.

Tinker's Hole and Fingal's Cave

[timetolearnoclock]

beside the Celtic

"Iona Cathedral crowns a sacred isle of British Christianity beside the Celtic St. Martin's Cross."

October 1954

Quote taken from original text included with the image in the magazine

[mysterious-cuchulainn-x]

9 people you'd like to get to know better (Tag Game)

Thank you @raven-of-domain-kwaad for the tag!

3 Ships

Canon Ship: If we're talking ships that happen in canon, I think I have to say Emiya Shirou/Tohsaka Rin/Saber, from Fate/stay night (Unlimited Blade Works - Good End). They balance each other both in-universe and narratively, and they all deserve that chance to be a bit more human.

OC Ship: My STO Vulcan captain, Arisia V'Laan, and her colleague-turned-XO, Halshira Tarsi (who is like 2.5% a canon character but has no first name and no voice lines after the first couple missions). I love them dearly and they repay me by refusing to come out onto the page.

Ship of the Week: I've mainly been chiseling away at my Dragon Age fic, so I suppose I'll say my Origins crew, in particular Niassa Cousland and Julian Surana (who takes the place of Dairren/Iona in that particular sidequest).

1st Ship: This one's surprisingly difficult to reach back to, but the first ship that I got really invested in was Jaune and Pyrrha in the first few seasons of RWBY.

Last Song: The Hills of Isle Au Haut - Gordon Bok

Current reading: I've started reading novels again with the help of my job, plus I'm in the middle/toward the end of a couple interesting nonfiction books:

Love in the Time of Cholera - Gabriel García Márquez

The Worldly Philosophers - Robert L. Heilbroner

The Dawn Watch: Joseph Conrad in a Global World - Maya Jasanoff

Last Film: Saw (the most important parts of) Madame Web last week, although I was ducking in and out a bit so I didn't sit through the whole thing. Before that, RRR, which is very literally a poetic epic in movie form and one of the best things I've ever seen.

Craving: Dark chocolate, raisins, and peanut butter.

Some no-pressure tags for:

@sith-shenanigans, @trekking-through-life, @vihola, @starknstarwars,

...and anyone else that sees this and wants to participate!

[southpacifictravel]

MacLean's Cross on the Isle of Iona, Scotland, dates from around the year 1500. Pilgrims heading for the Abbey would pause here to pray.