CLOG (Univ. of Glasgow)
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Monastic life and ‘space syntax’
Full text linkTHis chapter explores the \u27space syntax\u27 of Iona, considering the way in which the Early Medieval monastery was set up, as against the alter Benedictine monastery. Analysis sugegst that at fundamental levels there was more similarity than surface level impressions would suggest
How to arrange your corpses: Saint Odrán and the replication of Iona’s landscape
Full text linkThis chapter discusses aspects of the cult of St Odrán (Odhran, Oran) as found on Iona and in the surrounding region. 
Stones and stories
Full text linkThis chapter explores various stones of Iona, their traditions, and their names
Iona – a map
Full text linkThis chapter discusses the origins and significance of the map published by Alec and Euphemia Ritchie in their classic Iona: Past and Present with Maps
Finding Columba in the Book of Kells
Full text linkSaint Columba’s association with the Book of Kells has a long history. The earliest evidence may date to 1007 when we read about ‘the Great Gospel of Colum Cille.’ Past interpretations suggest this book (probably Kells) was written by the saint. Scholars now agree this is impossible and support instead the notion that this eighth/ninth-century Gospel book was created to honour Columba around 200 years after his death (d.597).
The paper investigates the possibility that several sources of evidence in Kells link it with Columba. The first considers the iconography of ff. 2v-3r in Kells’ Canon Tables, which reference relics traditionally associated with the saint (his white robe, flabellum, stylus, and a shrine). The second examines the possibility that the manuscript known as the Cathach influenced Kells. While the most prominent feature is an unusual decorative motif from the older book, attention is also drawn to several other correspondences between the two manuscripts. A prolific scribe, Columba, was traditionally believed to have written the Cathach, which, unlike Kells, may be contemporary with him. The evidence presented here strengthens the links between Kells and the saint, suggesting it rightly deserves to be called ‘the Great Gospel of Colum Cille.
Tír, tráig, tuile | land, strand and tide:Colum Cille and the poetics of place
Full text linkThis contribution explores poetry in the voice of St Columba, and in particular poems in which he expresses love of particular places. While Columba voices the feelings of the exile in many of these poems, this is not the only way in which they build the idea of place. One poem, Mellach lem bith i n-ucht ailoin expresses a different sort of delight, and it is argued that this is likely a poem about Iona. Finally, the way in which the poetic voice of Columba can be seen as an early example of the Gaelic trope of cianalas is discussed
Saints Columba and Comgall: Adventurers in hagiographic intertextuality
Full text linkThe Life of St Columba includes an entry wherein Columba travels to the court of king Bridei of Pictland, interesting here because of its appropriation and expansion in the longer version of the Life of St Comgall. Comparisons of the portrayal of Saints Columba and Comgall in the other’s Life indicates the continued desire for a collegial and positive relationship between the two saints and their respective communities. The manipulation of the entry to increase the renown of Comgall is evidenced by the increased drama of the story and the placement of Comgall front and centre. Through an analysis of the two Lives, the Life of St Comgall can potentially be linked to the foundation of a monastery in Leinster, mentioned in the final section of the Life. This monastery is suggested to be that of Ullard in the territory of Uí Dróna, where a new church was built in the twelfth century, possibly corresponding with the creation of the Life
‘The Iona of the East’: Inchcolm, Dunkeld and the cult of Columba in eastern Scotland
Full text linkInchcolm is an island in the Forth on which stands the extensive remains of a twelfth-century Augustinian monastery dedicated to St Columba, both this dedication and the island’s name testifying to close links with the saint. It is often referred to as ‘The Iona of the East’. This article explores how apt this designation is and how early these Columban links might be. It then examines Inchcolm’s relationship with the other focus of his cult in eastern Scotland, Dunkeld. Finally it looks at how Inchcolm maintained and amplified the status of St Columba throughout the Middle Ages, to some extent eclipsing Dunkeld as the eastern centre of his cult