WELCOME TO
BISHOP’S HOUSE
Guest information
Isle of Iona PA76 6SJ
[t] 01681 700 111
[e] [email protected]
[w] www.island-retreats.org
Island Retreats Ltd. / Diocese of Argyll & the Isles, Scottish Episcopal Church / Charity No.: SC 023281
Welcome to Bishop’s House
GUEST INFORMATION
We wish you a very warm welcome to Bishop’s House! We hope you really enjoy your stay and find the peace
and loving presence of God that’s always characterized this retreat house.
If at any point you have any questions please feel free to ask a member of the team.
I N T H E E V E N T O F A N E M E RG E N C Y
Please take the time to read the fire notice in your room and locate the fire exits throughout the
building.
In the event of a fire please follow the fire safety instructions on the notice in your bedroom. Follow instructions
from our team, and evacuate immediately.
If you have any problems at night, such as being too cold, locking yourself out of your room, needing first aid
or you have a medical emergency, please knock loudly on the door to the Warden’s flat (upstairs in the North
Wing of the building) or press the night contact bell (next to the staff area door on the ground floor in the
North Wing of the building), to retrieve another staff member.
H A I R D RY E R S A N D A L A R M C L O C K S
A small number of hair dryers and alarm clocks are available to be lent to guests. Hairdryers are located at
the end of corridors, underneath the dispensers for tea, coffee, milk, and sugar. These are to be shared
amongst all guests in the house, so please use as needed and return as soon as possible. If you wish to borrow
an alarm clock please ask a staff member.
Island Retreats Ltd. / Diocese of Argyll & the Isles, Scottish Episcopal Church / Charity No.: SC 023281
I N YO U R RO O M
The heating in your room is controlled by the thermostat on the radiator. You are welcome to change it as
needed; 1 is the coldest setting, and 6 is the warmest. If at any point the temperature in the house is
uncomfortable please inform a team member.
In the box under the bed or in the chest of drawers, you will find extra blankets and hot water bottles (with
hand-made covers!). If you require more please ask a member of staff.
Please feel free to top up your teas and coffees from the dispenser at the end of the corridor. Herbal teas
and decaffeinated beverages can be found in the guest lounge.
For the comfort of all guests (here on retreat), please close doors quietly and refrain from talking loudly in the
corridors.
O N YO U R DAY O F D E PA R T U R E …
We very much welcome any help you can give in leaving the rooms tidy to help with cleaning for our next
group. Please help us by leaving the following items in the corridor outside your door:
• your waste bin bag, tied up
• your used towels
• your used duvet cover
• your pillow cases
Please leave the duvet (stripped of cover) and the fitted sheet on your bed, and also leave the white pillow
protectors on the pillows.
Please leave your room keys on the hook by the door in your room.
We ask that you please vacate your room by 9.00am. You are welcome to remain in the library and lounge
until 10.00am. Please remember all your personal belongings. There will be a small administrative charge
plus postage for returning all lost property, sorry.
Thank you for your help. We hope you have enjoyed your stay and return soon…
Island Retreats Ltd. / Diocese of Argyll & the Isles, Scottish Episcopal Church / Charity No.: SC 023281
S M O K I N G A N D A LC O H O L
In the interests of fire safety and guest comfort, smoking is not permitted anywhere in Bishop’s House. You may
smoke in the gardens but please do so well away from any windows or doors. Please respect the environment
by disposing of all cigarette butts in the special bin provided at the south gable end.
Alcohol is permitted in Bishop’s House; please demonstrate respect for the ethos of the house and other guests
by drinking in moderation. Wine glasses are found in the guest lounge. You are most welcome to take your
beverages through to the dining room. Please return any crockery and glasses from the lounge when you’ve
finished with them, and place them (washed!) back in the cupboard. For your convenience, wine is sometimes
available for a donation. Please ask the warden if there’s anything in our wine cellar!
THE WINDOWS
The windows in your bedroom lock open. In order to close the window, or open it further, you must depress the
small lever set into the left-hand side of the window frame. This will release a safety catch. Please be careful
not to catch your fingers in the mechanism.
CARDS & GIFTS
Please browse the selection of crafts in our little shop. We stock products made by local crafters, or the charities
we support. Please place all cash/cheques in the honesty box provided. Cheques should be made payable to
Island Retreats Ltd. You can also pay by card in the office. Please ask there if you’d like to make a card payment.
S M A RT C A R A N D S C O OT E R
To assist those with mobility issues, Bishop’s House has a Smart car (capable of seating two) and a mobility
scooter. Both are available for guests to use. To drive our Smart car you (or the person you nominate) must be
over 25, be eligible for a Blue Badge, and hold a current driving license. As this is a petrol vehicle (and we have
to ferry our petrol over from Mull!), we ask for a donation towards the running costs, if you are able.
If you wish to borrow either the Smart car or the mobility scooter, please ask at the office. A short driving lesson
will be provided before the vehicle is signed out. Have fun!
Island Retreats Ltd. / Diocese of Argyll & the Isles, Scottish Episcopal Church / Charity No.: SC 023281
MEALS
A gong will be rung ten minutes before every meal. We ask all guests to gather in the lounge at this point so
we can prepare the dining room. You will be invited through from the lounge when the meal is ready.
If you have any special dietary requirements and have not yet informed the kitchen please liaise as soon as
possible. We try to cater for individual dietary requirements but cannot unfortunately cater for vegans and
may not be able to meet all requirements or diet preferences. Please speak to our chef if you have any
concerns or would like more information on our meals/ingredients.
MEAL TIMES
Breakfast:
Monday – Saturday
Sunday
8.45am
9.00am
1.00pm
6.00pm*
Lunch:
Dinner: Monday – Sunday
* A 7 pm dinner may be available on request, eg on the day of arrival.
Packed lunches are available any day by request; please inform the kitchen by 7pm the evening before they
are required. If you are part of a group booking and more than half the group asks for packed lunches we
do ask all guests to take a packed lunch although you are more than welcome to eat your lunch in the house
or gardens! Please remind the chef of any special diets when ordering your packed lunches.
T H E L I B R A RY
You are welcome to borrow books from the library in Bishop’s House; do please return them before your
departure. Donations of books are always welcome.
TELEPHONE AND INTERNET
There is a guest payphone just outside the guest lounge which also accepts incoming calls (the phone number is
posted on the telephone). We have a guest WiFi network available too. The network is called Library and no
password is required. The WiFi signal is strongest in the lounge and library.
Island Retreats Ltd. / Diocese of Argyll & the Isles, Scottish Episcopal Church / Charity No.: SC 023281
T H E C H A PE L
There are daily services in St Columba’s chapel, which is at the heart of Bishop’s House. All services are open to
the public as well as to guests staying with us. You are welcome to use the chapel or the prayer gallery at any
time for private prayer.
ST COLUMBA’S SERVICE TIMES
Monday
Eucharist
Tuesday
Eucharist
8.00am
Eucharist
Thursday
Eucharist
Friday
Eucharist
Saturday
Eucharist
Sunday
Eucharist
8.00am
8.00am
Compline
9.00pm
Compline
9.00pm Wednesday
Eucharist
5.00pm
8.00am
Compline
9.00pm
Compline
9.00pm
8.00am
Compline
9.00pm
8.00am
Compline
9.00pm
8.00am
Evensong
9.00pm
SUNDAY SERVICES
A number of Sunday service are held on the island, all are open to the public. There can sometimes be a variation
in time or location depending on the availability of clergy.
Episcopalian Eucharist
Roman Catholic Mass
Iona Community Communion
Church of Scotland Sunday Service
Evening Prayer or Evensong
Quiet Service
8.00am
9.30am
10.30am
12.00pm
9.00pm
7.30pm
Bishop’s House
Michael Chapel
Iona Abbey
Iona Parish Church
Bishop’s House
Iona Abbey
CHAPLAINCY
If you need someone to talk to, the guest chaplain is available throughout your stay. We also have chaplain
cover provided by Rev. Joyce Watson, and she can sometimes be available to help, if needed.
THE ABBEY SERVICES & CATHOLIC HOUSE OF PRAYER
You can find details of these service times on the noticeboard outside the chapel, and also on the large white
noticeboard in the corridor leading to the lounge. .
Island Retreats Ltd. / Diocese of Argyll & the Isles, Scottish Episcopal Church / Charity No.: SC 023281
G R AT U I T I E S
Tips, if you feel so inclined, are gratefully accepted and are shared equally amongst the team, which generally
includes one or two volunteers. Please leave any contribution with the Warden or in the office.
R E S P O N S I B L E AC C E S S
You are welcome to walk all around Iona. Please demonstrate respect for farmers and the privacy of the islanders
by following these guide-lines:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Put all litter in rubbish bins.
Leave gates as you find them.
Do not climb on fences.
Use foot paths where possible.
No fires or BBQs.
Access through fields only (not gardens).
FRIENDS OF BISHOP’S HOUSE
The Friends of Bishop’s House provide extra amenities for the House and also provide a bursary fund for those
recommended by their clergy as being in need of financial assistance in order to visit Iona. Over the years many
have been assisted, and the Friends have provided innumerable items and improvements to the House. Bishop’s
House would be a shadow of what it is without the support of the Friends and we are extremely grateful for their
continued support.
If you would like to become a Friend of Bishop’s House, or learn more about this charity look for one of the
‘Who Needs Friends?’ brochures in this folder or downstairs, or speak with the Warden.
Island Retreats Ltd. / Diocese of Argyll & the Isles, Scottish Episcopal Church / Charity No.: SC 023281
S O M E O F O U R FAVO U R I T E WA L K S
There are a number of people on Iona who would be very happy to take you on a guided walk or pilgrimage
during your stay, and their details are listed below. If you wish to have a guide to show you the island off the
beaten track, we hope you’ll find these suggestions helpful:
Sarah Macdonald – 07761 986607 or [email protected]
Jana McLellan – 01681 700558 or [email protected]
David Allaway (Iona Trails) – can be booked at the front desk of the St. Columba Hotel
‘IONA COMMUNITY’ PILGRIMAGE
Every Tuesday afternoon the Iona Community hosts an on-road pilgrimage around the island. Guests wishing to
participate in this event must sign up at the Iona Community Welcome Centre by 10.30am on Tuesday. This is the
perfect event for someone wishing to have a view across the land, sprinkled with lore, history, and contemplation.
Waterproofs are recommended, and a packed lunch is a necessity.
Please note, for those who in the past have gone on the ‘off road’ pilgrimage with the Iona Community (the allday walk that visits Columba’s Bay, Marble Quarry, Hermit’s Cell, etc.), this walk is no longer open to the public.
Those wishing to be led in a walk to these locations (or indeed elsewhere) are advised to contact one of the
guides listed above.
THE NORTH END
Wander up the village street, turn right to go up the brae past the Spar shop, and then turn right through the
Nunnery. Follow the main road all the way past the Abbey until the road ends, about 1 mile. You will see a gate
that enters into a croft. Please respect that you are now on private property and obey signs posted on croft land.
As you walk down the path it will begin to veer to the left. Open and close the little metal gate when you come to
it, walk down the sandy path, and you have arrived. The North End is a series of beautiful sandy beaches. People
tend to amble to the West, as the beach stretches further this way, past the hostel.
WHITE STRAND OF THE MONKS
Follow the route to The North End, but after going through the gate to enter the croft land veer to the right and
toward the coast.
DUN I
Follow the same instructions for the North End walk past the Abbey. From the road you will see a white house on
the left, set back against Dun I (pronounced ‘Dun Eee’), the highest point on Iona. The house is Bishop’s Walk; you
will know it when you see the distinctive seven dormer windows. There is often a dog at Bishop’s Walk who will
happily drop his ball through the fence for you, and just as happily run after it if you throw it back in the field for
him. Just past the house you will see a kissing gate on the left, walk through and follow the prominent path up to
the top of Dun I. The incline is a continuous rise to the top, sturdy boots are highly recommended. Here you will
hopefully see Iona in its entirety. You can also see the tidal island of Erraid on Mull, the Isles of Ulva and
Gometra to the Northeast, the Treshnish isles (including Staffa), the isles of Coll and Tiree; if the weather is right
you will even see distant Jura to the Southeast and the isle of Rhum to the North. If you are luckier still, if you
have managed to dodge the deluge of rain, you can sometimes make out the far off Cuillins of Skye. Take care
when descending – you might think you got away without a dirty bottom – until you start back down again!!
HERMIT’S CELL
If you are wishing to visit the Hermit’s Cell, it is recommended that you take one of the many led pilgrimages
available on the island (see info. above).
Island Retreats Ltd. / Diocese of Argyll & the Isles, Scottish Episcopal Church / Charity No.: SC 023281
ST. COLUMBA’S BAY
Walk up the village street and turn left towards the jetty. Follow this main road along the coast and then as it
curves to the right to take you across the island to the Machair (known to some as the ‘golf course’). You can
either end your journey here or jump the stile at the north end of the Bay at the Back of the Ocean to see the
shallow, very swimmable waters of Port Ban. Or, if you head south along the Machair you can take the route to
Columba's Bay. If planning on doing the latter, you should certainly plan on this walk taking most of the day.
Once at the Machair, follow the fence line south. A vague path is visible and crosses the burn with a bridge made
of railroad sleepers. Follow the path south toward the hills. Once you start to head up the steep pebble-strewn hill,
you know you are on the right path. Follow the path to Loch Stonaig, the island’s historic water source (water is
now piped across the Sound of Iona from Mull). Follow the path to the left of the Loch. Just past the Loch the path
will fork; stay on the more prominent southward path (the path to the left leads to the Marble Quarry). The path
will rise until you see St. Columba's Bay below, a wide expanse of pebble beach.
This walk is a long one and a packed lunch is highly recommended. There are laminated instructions ‘How to
Safely Get to Columba’s Bay (and back again!)’ in the guest lounge that you are most welcome to take with you
on your trek. NB When down on the beach, it can be quite hard to see the path back inland – so keep your
bearings as you descend and that will make it easier for you.
MARTYR’S BAY
Follow the route to Columba’s Bay. Just after you pass the Pub, walk across to this is the beautiful white sand
beach on your left. You might even be lucky enough to catch Iona’s skiff, The Red Boat, pulled up on the shore or
being rowed on the Sound. Our assistant warden helped build her – and we think she must be the prettiest
community boat on the islands!
THE MARBLE QUARRY
Follow the route to St. Columba's Bay. After walking around the north and east side of Loch Stonaig, follow the
prominent path branching off the main path, to the left (southeast). This will lead you to the Marble Quarry. This
is a boggy and steep walk and is only for confident trekkers with sturdy ankle supports.
S H O P P I N G O N IO N A
There are numerous shops on Iona to help quench your spending needs, or to keep you occupied on rainy
days.
IONA PEBBLES ARTS AND CRAFTS
Iona Pebbles is a small craft shop situated at Thistledo, over on the West side of the island, on the left side of
the road that leads to the Machair and the Bay at the Back of the Ocean. It is the creation of Val MacCormick
and is the only outlet for her art, and craftwork, on the island. Val designs and handcrafts a range of unique
jewellery using locally selected Iona Marble, Shells, Seashore Pebbles, and other locally sourced materials. It
is also the only place on the island to purchase wool made from Iona sheep.
FINLAY ROSS
Conveniently located at the pier, just across from the pub, Finlay Ross sells a wide selection of Scottish Gifts
from Dunoon ceramics, Books, Maps, Tapes and CD’s of Scottish artists and musicians. They also sell Celtic
Jewellery, Ortak Jewellery (BAFTA Fame), Berghaus Outdoor Wear, along with Burton McCall, adult and
children’s clothing and Scottish Fayre.
SPAR
The only food shop on Iona, the Spar also offers newspapers and tourist souvenirs.
Island Retreats Ltd. / Diocese of Argyll & the Isles, Scottish Episcopal Church / Charity No.: SC 023281
IONA CRAFT SHOP
A lovely wee craft shop, located next to the Spar, this shop offers many local and Scottish arts and crafts, and
clothing. They also sell excellent speciality coffees.
HERITAGE CENTRE
The Heritage Centre is not just the place to go to learn about island life over the last few centuries; the fishing
and crofting community, school and churches, artists, craft workers, visitors and memorable events. They also
have an excellent gift shop and the Heritage Centre Garden Café. Well worth a visit.
ORAN CREATIVE CRAFTS
Just across the road from the St Columba Hotel, this local craft cooperative offers products including cards,
prints, crochet, knitwear, paintings, and soaps all made on Iona by local people.
AOSDANA GALLERY
Aosdana is a beautiful gallery selling contemporary artwork, Scottish designer jewelry and traditional Iona
jewelry. Housed in a lovingly restored farm steading situated on the road to Iona Abbey, Aosdana offers a
unique experience on Iona as it combines the historical work of the Island’s past with the present.
THE LOW DOOR
An annex of the St. Columba Hotel, this appropriately named shop offers jams, preserves, fresh bread and
coffee, as well as a few books and other speciality nick-nacks.
HISTORIC SCOTLAND SHOP
Located in the cloisters of Iona Abbey, this shop contains a good selection of gifts and souvenirs including
locally made crafts as well as a wide range of books.
IONA COMMUNITY SHOP
As The Iona Community is an ecumenical Christian community working for peace and social justice, rebuilding
of community and the renewal of worship. The Iona Community’s shop reflects this ethos in the literature, fair
trade crafts and tasty treats, and other products sold in it.
IONA GALLERY AND POTTERY
The Gallery and Pottery workshop is in a converted crofthouse situated just beyond the Iona Community Shop.
The Gallery specializes in both contemporary and early 20th century original paintings of Iona, limited
edition prints, thrown and hand-built pottery reflecting land and seascapes, and art cards of Iona.
Island Retreats Ltd. / Diocese of Argyll & the Isles, Scottish Episcopal Church / Charity No.: SC 023281
MAP OF IONA
For your own safety when walking by yourself, please inform a fellow guest or a member of staff of where you
are intending to walk (and when you hope to be back).
Additional maps can be found in the library and displayed by the back (North) door. We hope to start stocking
maps in our shop soon, too.
Island Retreats Ltd. / Diocese of Argyll & the Isles, Scottish Episcopal Church / Charity No.: SC 023281
Island Retreats Ltd. / Diocese of Argyll & the Isles, Scottish Episcopal Church / Charity No.: SC 023281