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The rocky inlet of the marble quarry on Iona, green slopes above the blue sea.
Isle of Iona

Iona Marble Quarry

The rusting machinery of a marble quarry abandoned about 1918, in a remote inlet on Iona's south-east coast.

Welcome

The old marble quarry lies in a small, remote inlet on the south-east coast of Iona, and what is left there is a strange and lovely sight: the rusted remains of a great winch and cable, a cutting frame, a water tank, a gas engine and a wheeled platform, among blocks of white stone still marked by the saw.

Marble was taken from here on and off for centuries, perhaps as early as 1745; the Duke of Argyll opened the quarry officially in the late 1700s, and after other failed attempts it reopened in 1907 and closed for good at the end of the First World War.

Its marble went to churches around the world, and can be seen in Iona Abbey. The site is a scheduled monument. There is no road: the path is often boggy and little more than a sheep track, so good boots, a map and at least three hours are needed. Tell someone where you are going.

Close byThe Keel RowA traditional pub and restaurant in Fionnphort, by the Iona ferry, with views across the sound to Iona.2 min by roadSee itThe Keel Row in Fionnphort, low granite buildings with picnic benches behind a stone wall.
Before you go

There is no road to the quarry.

The path is boggy and often only a sheep track: most people go by St Columba's Bay and cut across. Allow at least three hours, wear good boots, take a map, and let someone know where you are going.

Getting there
CalMac ferry from Fionnphort on Mull, about five minutes, foot passengers and bikes only.
Walk
No road; a boggy sheep track.
Time
At least 3 hours.
Where it is

The south-east coast of Iona.

Close byOn Iona's south-east coast.
  1. The pebble beach of St Columba's Bay on Iona between rocky outcrops, the sea beyond.St Columba's BayThe pebble bay at the south end of Iona where St Columba is said to have landed from Ireland in 563.Under a mile1 min by road
  2. Iona AbbeyIona AbbeyThe restored Benedictine abbey on the site of St Columba's monastery of 563, with its cloister, high crosses and museum of carved stones.Under a mile3 min by road
  3. The white sand and blue water of the bay, rocks beyond.Bay at the Back of the OceanA wide west-facing bay on Iona, fringed with machair and many-coloured pebbles, with nothing but ocean between it and Canada.Under a mile3 min by road
  4. The whitewashed front of the Iona Craft Shop with blue window frames, bicycles and chairs outside.Iona Craft ShopA craft shop on Iona since 1965, opposite the nunnery, known for its knitwear and its Iona Wool.Under a mile3 min by road
  5. Iona Nunnery Ruins, Isle of IonaIona Nunnery RuinsThe pink granite ruins of Iona's Augustinian nunnery, the most complete in Scotland, on the street up from the ferry.Under a mile3 min by road
Directions
The Keel Row in Fionnphort, low granite buildings with picnic benches behind a stone wall.BarsThe Keel Row0.6 miles
Scattered cottages and a stone church overlook a coastal bay from grassy hillsideAttractionsIsle of Iona0.8 miles
Iona's shore and the Sound under a pale sky.AttractionsIsle of Iona0.8 miles
Inside Oran Creative Crafts: shelves of candles, glass and gifts on a wooden counter.ShoppingOran Creative Crafts0.8 miles
Shelves of snacks, jars and treats inside the St Columba Larder.RestaurantsSt Columba Larder0.8 miles
AttractionsSt Oran’s Chapel & Reilig Odhráin0.8 miles
The Iona Community's Welcome Centre and Shop, a low white building with its sign on the grass in front.ShoppingIona Community Shop0.8 miles
A table laid with glasses and white napkins at Ninth Wave, a painting of pebbles on the wall behind.RestaurantsNinth Wave Restaurant1.2 miles
Coastal garden with flower beds overlooking a sailing boat on the waterAttractionsTraigh Bhan nam Monach3.0 miles
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