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.

The Oratory at St Columba’s Church, Kells, Ireland. The 'Book of Kells' was an important manuscript. It was removed from Iona and taken to Kells for safety because of the threat of Viking raiding.