Fragments of a wooden hut found on the Scottish island of Iona have been confirmed as the remains of the sixth-century cell of St Columba.
St Columba founded a monastery at Iona that became one of Europe's leading centres of learning and served as the springboard for the evangelisation of Scotland.
The Irish monk was renowned for his sanctity and his life was associated with many miracles. His guidance for monastic life was followed in Scotland, Ireland and Northumbria until it was superseded by the milder Rule of St Benedict.
