A rubbish tip on Iona has provided evidence of Bronze Age activity on the island.

The ancient rubbish tip was discovered by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists last September.

The prehistoric midden was found in a sandy bank of a burn on the west side of Iona.

Within the soil were lots of limpet and whelk shells, burnt and unburnt animal bones, shards of pottery, flint and a large cobble stone tool.

Results of radiocarbon testing from the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre in East Kilbride have confirmed a 95% chance that the rubbish tip dates from between 930 BC and 810 BC.

Trust archaeologist Derek Alexander said in a statement: "This is a very significant find for Iona.

"It is well known for its early Christian history, however, we now have the first evidence which shows that there was settlement even earlier.

"The midden contains lots of useful information that may help shed some light on what life on pre-historic Iona was like.

"However, we don't have all the answers - while it is quite clear that the remains are domestic rubbish, but whether they relate to a settlement in the immediate vicinity is unknown."