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Colonsay
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JeWeL Of THe HebRiDeS, GeM Of THe SeA
The Isle of Colonsay, and its smaller island neighbour Oransay, are some of the remotest inhabited islands in the Inner Hebrides. Spectacularly located some 20 miles from the mainland, between Islay and Mull, these low-lying islands are easily reached by ferry from Oban or, for the perfect Hebridean day-trip, in around an hour by a twice-weekly ferry round-trip from Port Askaig on Islay.
Although they measure just 10 miles by two miles, Colonsay and Oransay off er a surprising variety of things to do, especially for outdoors and wildlife enthusiasts. Th e islands boast a fascinating history and heritage, and a richly diverse array of fl ora and fauna (Colonsay is believed to have the richest fl ora of all the islands, with more than 500 species recorded) as well as an interesting geological timeline.
Th e islands’ diversity is celebrated in a number of festivals throughout the year – from the celebrated Book Festival at the end of April, through a fantastic celebration of nature in its renowned Spring Festival, to a lively traditional Music Festival in September and a delicious autumnal Food and Drink Festival in October.
Th e islands are low-lying with a spectacular coastline and a rolling interior that rises to no more than 145m – which make them perfect for walking or cycling (bring your bike on the CalMac ferry free of charge, or you can hire on the island).
Th e many beaches off er a chance to stroll beautiful, fl at sands and explore sand dunes and machair. Th e islands are also home to the MacPhies (hills with a summit of at least 300ft /91m). Th ere are 21 on Colonsay and another one on Oransay, and like Munro-bagging on the mainland, MacPhie-bagging becomes a passion for many visitors.
Explore more at visitcolonsay.co.uk
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Top things to see, do and experience
VISIT orANSAY The ruined Augustinian priory in Oransay includes a magnifi cent stone cross, cloisters and medieval gravestones. When the tide allows, you can walk across – but do be very careful and get local advice on safety.
ColoNSAY HoUSE GArDENS The house and woodland gardens are home to one of Scotland’s fi nest rhododendron collections, plus an array of unusual trees and shrubs. Open from April, there is also a sunny terrace café. WIlDlIFE Colonsay’s western cliffs are home to colonies of seabirds including fulmars and razorbills. Sea eagles, otters, chough and corncrake can be spotted on land, and seals, whales and porpoises swim offshore. Look out for wild goats – reputedly descended from Armada shipwreck survivors.
