Arrival of St. Columba

In 563 CE, Saint Columba, an influential Irish abbot and missionary, journeyed to Dál Riata, where he was granted land on the island of Iona by the local ruler. Here, he established Iona Abbey, a seminal Christian monastery that became a vital center for learning and religious instruction. This establishment played a crucial role in the propagation of Christianity throughout Scotland, notably contributing to the conversion of the Picts. The abbey's influence extended beyond regional confines, impacting the broader Christian landscape of the British Isles and serving as a foundational institution in the early Christian history of Scotland.