IT was set up to combat the great depression of the 1930s and is situated on a historic island burial site of Scotland's kings.
Yet despite the growing interest in Scottish history, the Iona Community still requires £400,000 by the end of 2018 to allow a residential and community space to open in time for Easter.
Phase one of the refurbishment of Iona Abbey has been completed, but the project still needs funding to complete the final piece of the jigsaw which will allow it to open most of the year.
Reverend Kathy Galloway, co-leader of the Iona Community, said: “The generosity of our members, friends and associates has made this progress possible, and we now just need help crossing the line of our fundraising campaign.
“The Iona Community welcomes around 1500 guests to the island each year, and we want to welcome people from all walks of life for generations to come.”
The community was set up in the 1930s by soldier and clergyman George Macleod from Glasgow.
A statue remains on the island named after its founder who travelled from Govan to Iona to build the initial accommodation.
Facilities on the Inner Hebridean island have been made more accessible for visitors. Bathrooms have been replaced to suit people with disabilities and a lift and lighting installed.
It was designed to create a safer environment for members of the community and will upgrade the accommodation built in the 1930s.
Volunteers and staff on the island have now started packing up the building.
This will allow phase two of the project to begin linking the centre to the island’s renewable energy resources.
A sustainable heating system, electrical works and refurbished bedrooms, bathrooms and refectory are also included in the project.
The organisation has raised over £3.3 million for the capital project on the island.
More than 1,300 individual donations have been received ranging from £2 to £882,000 from the Ark of the Covenant Church through the Charity Commission. Over $1 million was also donated from friends and foundations in the USA.
The community now needs to raise £400,000 by the end of the year which will be done through a combination of donations and fundraising events.
This, they say, will minimise how long the abbey's accommodation is closed to guests and the resulting impact on the island of Iona’s economy.
A spokeswoman for the Iona Community said: “Iona is one of the islands that has been growing its economy. All the visitors have an impact on the economy but the community is very ethical and still needs that final chunk of money which will allow people to be paid.”
The peaceful island has become a regular spiritual retreat because of its rich history.
It is the Scottish birthplace of Christianity and has close connections with St Columba who founded the community in 560AD.
The island has close connections with Ireland and the Book of Kells which monks on Iona are said to have illustrated.
It is also said to be the final resting place of 48 Scottish, eight Norwegian and four Irish kings which has lead to a growth in tourism.
None of these graves are identifiable in their current condition. But their inscriptions are reported to have worn away at the end of the 17th century.
Among the graves on Iona are King of the Picts Kenneth I of Scotland; Malcolm I King of Scotland; Duncan I King of Scotland; Macbeth King of Scotland and Donald III, King of Scotland.
The community and charity was established in 1938 when offered a place of worship and community in the rebuilt abbey living spaces.
Reverend Galloway said the final part of the fundraising push would have a huge impact on Iona's economy which has seen its visitors numbers increase.
She added: “Raising the final £400,000 will mean we can complete and equip the living and community space and minimise the impact our closure has on the island’s economy.
“In the long-term, improved heating and insulation will mean we can extend our season to welcome more visitors and volunteers each year. At the moment, many rooms are too cold to use past October and before March.
“We need help now to cross the line so that we can safeguard Iona Abbey as a living place of hospitality, and ensure that thousands more people can visit this special place seeking sanctuary and inspiration.”
For more information about the appeal and to donate visit: https://iona.org.uk/capital-appeal-information/
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