Retreat & Conference Centres We have two such centres, both in Argyllshire, operated by that diocese under the name Argyll Diocesan Conference Centres. Bishop's House is on the tiny island of Iona, while The Cathedral of The Isles and College of The Holy Spirit lies at Millport on the island of Cumbrae in the Clyde estuary. Both offer a warm welcome, good food and comfortable surroundings and cater for individuals or groups of up to 25. In addition, The College has its own open retreat programme of seven individual short breaks throughout the year. Both locations are set in attractive surroundings in beautiful parts of Scotland. Home Who's Who History Publications News & Events Prayer Churches Bishop's Blog Oban Cathedral Cathedral of the Isles Retreats Belltower Companion Dioceses Gaelic Bishop's House, Iona This tiny island of Iona, just 3 miles long by 1 ½ miles wide, lies off the South West tip of the Island of Mull, on the west coast of Scotland. It has a tradition of pilgrimage and mission dating back to the year 563 AD when St. Columba founded a monastery from where the Christian faith spread throughout Scotland and beyond. A Benedictine Abbey was built on the site of the original Celtic Monastery, and the restored buildings are now the home of the the Iona Community. A ruined nunnery and other ancient Christian and pre-Christian sites are also found on the island, which is now owned by the National Trust. Bishop's House, beautifully situated in its own grounds overlooking the sound of Iona, offers a warm welcome for up to 23 guests, comfortable accommodation and good food. Parish study and pilgrimage groups of all traditions or individuals are welcome. Services are held daily in the house chapel. Booking is essential, so please contact the warden at this address: Benjamin Cooke Bishop's House Isle of Iona PA76 6SJ Tel: 01681 700111 Fax: 01681 700 801 iona@island-retreats.org Charges are kept as low as possible, but the house is obviously obliged to cover its operating costs. Rates are as follows, per person per day (including VAT at 17.5%). Directions to Bishop's House, Iona Bishop's House is reached by ferry (45 mins) from Oban to Craignure (Isle of Mull) then by road accross Mull to Fionnphort for the Iona ferry. No cars are allowed on Iona but there is ample parking at Fionnphort. From mid-May to mid-October both the 1200 and 1600 ferries from Oban have a bus connection across Mull. On the return journey, a bus connects with the ferries leaving Craignure at 0900, 1300 and 1700. A ferry runs frequently from Lochaline to Fishnish and is serviced by public transport. Bowmans Coaches on the Mull side and by Sheil Coaches on Morvern side. The College, Millport The College, which was originally built in 1851, is attached to the Cathedral of The Isles (Britain's smallest Cathedral) - one of two Cathedrals in the Episcopal Diocese of Argyll and The Isles. It is set in its own woodland grounds and has recently undergone major restoration and refurbishment. The College, which is recognised as having high standard of welcome, dining and accommodation is open throughout the year for Church groups and for individuals who are seeking peace and quiet. The Chaplain, David James is also Retreat Director. Arrival/Departure Times for Retreats: Weekend - Arrive for Friday 7.00pm dinner and depart after Sunday 1.00pm lunch. Midweek - Arrive after lunch (tea and coffee available) and depart after 9.00am breakfast. Details of Retreats for 2010 Full details of Retreats during 2010 (and prices) are available here. Island Retreats The College, Millport, Isle of Cumbrae KA28 0HE Tel: 01475 530353 (office) Fax: 01475 530 204 tccumbrae@argyll.anglican.org www.island-retreats.org The Island of Cumbrae, which is four miles long by two miles wide, is situated in the Firth of Clyde, just off the Ayrshire coast, and is easily reached by a ten minute ferry crossing from Largs. There are also good connections by public transport to Glasgow and other mainland towns and cities. The town of Millport offers a wide range of attractions and the island is ideal for cycling. There are excellent views of the nearby islands of Arran and Bute and the mountains of Argyll. For an excellent guide, with maps, details of air, sea and land travel, Tourist routes and Major Events visit www.scotlandgroupsguide.com The College of the Holy Spirit is attached to the Cathedral of The Isles, Britain's smallest cathedral, and offers a warm welcome, comfortable accommodation and good food. The College is open throughout the year for individuals and groups and is also available for conferences, retreats and seminars. We can accommodate up to 31 guests in 16 rooms, 5 of which have 'en suite' facilities. 1 has a private bathroom. The Cathedral and College are also available for the preparation of sacred and classical music. Applications from choirs and groups of classical musicians are welcomed for seminars, rehearsals and performances. Please click here to see the group retreats available in 2008 Tariff Price per person per night (inclusive of VAT) Bed and Breakfast Standard single room £35 Ensuite Double room £70 (single occupancy £50) Twin Standard room £60 (single occupancy) £45 Half Board £50 Full Board £55 Reductions are available for groups of 10 or more. Children are welcome and are charged as follows: Under 5 free Under 14 half price if sharing parents' room. To enquire about the availability of bed and breakfast accommodation please contact the college direct: Telephone: 01475 530353 (Callers from outside the UK should call +44 1475 530353) Fax: 01475 530204 (Outside the UK: +44 1475 530204) Midweek Breaks that are now available at the Cathedral of The Isles and the College of the Holy Spirit Millport, Isle of Cumbrae KA28 0HE tccumbrae@argyll.anglican.org If you wish to book for any of these retreats please contact the Warden at the address above. .