Green fields on Iona overlooking the sea and the hills of Mull beneath a blue sky

Established in 1972

Welcome to the Isle of Iona

Martyrs Bay is a family-run business on the idyllic Isle of Iona, Scotland: home to our seafront bar, café and restaurant, gift shop and comfortable rooms, all just a few steps from the pier.
We support small makers
We ship worldwide
Most of our collection is lovingly made in Scotland
A CalMac ferry beside the Isle of Iona pier, with coastal cottages and green fields beyond
Warm evening light along the pier on Iona, with boats on the water

What is Martyrs Bay?

Martyrs Bay is the tranquil sweep of sand beside the Iona ferry pier, Port nam Mairtear, the Bay of the Martyrs. Though peaceful today, its name honours a defining moment in Iona’s history: in 806 AD, 68 monks were killed here during a Viking raid. It remains a place where beauty and heritage sit side by side, with views stretching across the Sound of Iona to Mull and the tidal island of Erraid.

It’s this blend of story, landscape and spirit that inspires us.

Our shop, rooms and restaurant are all named after Martyrs Bay: a way of grounding everything we do in the history, warmth and character of this remarkable place.

Welcome Home

Designed by our family and rooted in place, the Sound of Iona collection is inspired by Iona, where we live, and Mull, the island we pass through on every journey home, and look out to daily across the water.

Explore our exclusive Iona and Mull tartans, available only here at Martyrs Bay. From scarves and throws to tweed accessories, each piece is woven with meaning and made to last.

Wrapping Presents?

Our Sound of Iona Tartan Ribbon brings the colours of the island to parcels big and small. Lovely with simple brown paper, tucked around a gift box or mixed in with your favourite Christmas ribbons.

Sound of Iona tartan ribbon among gift-wrapping ribbons beside a Christmas tree
A tartan armchair beside a glowing lamp in a cosy room at Martyrs Bay on Iona
Boats moored on the Sound of Iona, seen from the rocky shore in a black-and-white photograph
A man wearing a blue, green and cream Sound of Iona tartan tweed waistcoat over a white shirt