Kilmartin and Iona – sacred landscapes of ritual and worship from prehistory and early Christianity in Argyll

‘Kilmartin and Iona – sacred landscapes of ritual and worship from prehistory and early Christianity in Argyll’ by Peter Yeoman

This lecture will focus on two contrasting places of sacred importance, close by, but separated by more than three millennia of time. Kilmartin is a sublime west coast valley full of amazing stone circles and tombs, attracting Neolithic kindred in large numbers to seasonal celebrations. At the lovely island of Iona by contrast, the most sacred Christian place in Scotland grew up from the monastery created by St Columba in the 6th century AD. This special quality of Iona is revered to this day, and only really appreciated if you stay there a while. Both places are a pleasure to visit, both featuring award-winning museums.  Peter has carried out extensive recent research at Iona to create the new museum and program of excavations there.

Peter Yeoman has worked as an archaeologist throughout the UK for 50 years, directing and publishing major excavations, while also writing a number of books. His expertise is widely recognised across Scotland’s heritage sector, as Head of Cultural Heritage and then Principal Heritage Researcher at Historic Scotland, working across their 340 properties, along with the management of World Heritage Sites. and serving on the Treasure Trove Panel for Scotland.

Peter leads the following ASA tours:

• The Scottish Highlands & Inner Hebrides: Castle, Gardens & Archaeology: 26 May – 1 June 2026