Sealladh diùra
Colonsay Island
Colonsay an enchanting varied island for walking, bird watching, or making sandcastles on the glorious beaches. The island is eight miles long and half that at its widest point, there is one winding road encircling the island with lots of tracks to discover the delights of Colonsay. The highest point Carnan Eoin is 143 metres above sea level and offers stunning views over the dramatic scenery. Open moor land gives way to dramatic cliffs which lead down to glorious sandy beaches.
It has a scattered population of about 120 with the port at Scalasaig where the shop, post office and hotel with restaurant are situated, the Pantry near the pier is serves meals and snacks and great fresh baked bread to order.
Colonsay Plants & Wildlife
Colonsay is a naturalist paradise with seals and otters along the coast and dolphins can at times be spotted out at sea.
Birdwatchers have over 150 birds to spot from the British list from choughs to golden eagles and the extremely rare corncrake breeds on Colonsay.
For botanists there are 500 species of local flora recorded. The machair bursts into flower in May and is at its best in July.
Oransay
At the southern end of the island is the strand a mile wide stretch of sand which joins Colonsay to another small island Oransay which can be reached at low tides. On Oransay are the ruins of a 14th century Augustinian Priory and one of the finest collections of carved Celtic tombstones in the highlands.
Colonsay House
Colonsay House is situated in the middle of the island and is home to the Strathcona family who have lived on the island for five generations. The house which dates back to 1722 is not open to the public but the gardens are open from April to October. The gardens are famous for their collection of rhododendrons and have lovely woodland walks.
Colonsay Beaches
Colonsay has many stunning sandy beaches where even in the busy summer you can find your own private beach or cove. The most spectacular beach is probably Kiloran Bay on the western side of the island a vast expanse of golden sand which is popular for wind surfing.
Getting around
The island is perfect for cycling (bikes can be hired) even for children, with its gentle hills and quiet single track road.
The hub of the social life on the island is the hotel where you can enjoy the good food and friendly banter of the locals at the bar. Highlight of the week at the hotel is the pub quiz and in the summer a ceilidh is held in the village hall to which all are welcome to enjoy the traditional music and dancing.
Getting to Colonsay
The island is served by a ferry sailing from Oban which visits five times a week during the sumer months and three times a week during the winter. We recommend you book especially in the busier summer months.
For more information on ferries visit the Caledonian MacBrayne website or phone 08705 650000 there are regular bus and train services to Oban connecting with the ferry.
Colonsay website
To learn more about Colonsay visit the islands website. www.colonsay.org.uk