Dawn broke and the Abbey sparkled into life. Triangular parcels from island residents and members of the Iona Community had been arriving. Transformed into bunting, they fluttered across the cloisters. The Abbey team welcomed everyone. Plain-clothes police officers stopped trying to look inconspicuous. Children from Iona Primary School and young pipers arrived alongside folk who had given years of their time and their resources to transform the Abbey living spaces. Guests included people who had been locked in and locked down during the past year. Warm, light and accessible, a chance to experience the challenges & joys of living in community is now open to all. Iona Village Hall and Iona Renewables lead the way in sustainable island living and the Abbey is proud now to be registered as an Eco-congregation. After blessing each significant part of the refurbishment, the sun shone on a party on the grass outside, full of hope for a future where all are welcome, where tough questions are asked and all of life can flourish. Catriona Robertson, Abbey Warden ….more in the printed issue

Photo © Chris Watt