The Vikings are persistent. They have started attacking the monasteries and religious houses of the west coast. They see these places as easy targets, unprotected and yielding many treasures.

Iona is an important Christian centre, associated with St Columba. Nowhere is safe.

In these troubled times, a ruler must think and act fast.

Evidence of Viking raiding and looting. Gilt copper mount from a reliquary, found in the west of Scotland.

Evidence of St Columba's lasting importance to the Scottish nation. St Columba from a 20th century stained glass window in St Margaret's chapel, Edinburgh Castle.