The Statutes of Icolmkill

The Statutes of Icolmkill, written in the 7th century, were a set of laws and guidelines for the governance of the monastic community on the Scottish island of Iona. They were written in both Latin and Old Irish and are considered to be some of the earliest written laws in Scotland. The following are the main statutes, along with a modern English explanation of each:

1. No one shall strike another: This statute prohibited violence and physical harm to others within the monastic community.
2. No one shall curse another: This statute prohibited verbal abuse and insults towards others within the community.
3. No one shall steal from another: This statute prohibited theft and the taking of property without consent.
4. No one shall commit fornication: This statute prohibited sexual misconduct and extramarital affairs.
5. No one shall indulge in excessive drinking: This statute discouraged excessive alcohol consumption, which was seen as a vice.
6. No one shall bear false witness: This statute prohibited lying and giving false testimony.
7. All shall love one another: This statute emphasized the importance of love and unity within the monastic community.

The Statutes of Icolmkill were not only a set of laws, but also a reflection of the values and beliefs of the early Christian community on Iona. They highlight the importance of peace, harmony, and moral behavior within a monastic community and serve as a reminder of the early Christian influence in Scotland. Today, the Statutes of Icolmkill remain a significant historical document, shedding light on the early laws and customs of Scotland.