https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/st-columba-wasn-t-the-first-to-settle-on-iona-xltnk89rf

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St Columba wasn’t the first to settle on Iona

Mike MerrittFriday August 19 2016, 12.01am BST, The Times

Famous for centuries as a centre of Gaelic monasticism and as the home of St Columba, the isle of Iona has a new claim to historical significance with the discovery of what is believed to be a prehistoric village (Mike Merritt writes).

The find is close to the site of the isle’s primary school. Pottery, flints and other prehistoric materials found during the archaeological dig could take the history of the island back more than 2,500 years.

The items unearthed, and believed to be five times older than the settlement of St Columba’s time in AD563, were made during excavation works for an extension to the primary school. A two-metre wall protecting the village was also discovered.