WITH a diameter of only ten miles, Colonsay is a small island with a lot to offer in terms of scenery, history and activities.
LOCATION: Scottish Inner Hebrides, located north of Islay and south of Mull
POPULATION: 108
GAELIC NAME: Colbhasa
HISTORY:
There is evidence of human activity on Colonsay going back to 7,000 B.C. and all over the island you can find evidence of Colonsay’s long history ranging from the Iron Age forts and duns which still dominate the Colonsay skyline, to the abandoned village of Riasg Buidhe, which was inhabited up to 1918.
Legend has it that the priory at Oransay was once visited by St Columba following his exile from Ireland.
On climbing Beinn Oransay on a clear day he discovered that he could still see the coast of Ireland so he sailed on, eventually founding the religious community on Iona.
The Augustinians founded the priory at Oransay in the early 14th and it became an important religious centre for the islands and Argyll over the next two hundred years. The ruins remain well-preserved.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Hebridean Air Services fly directly into Colonsay twice a day on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Connel, near Oban, with flights also running from Islay twice daily on Saturdays and Sundays.
CalMac run ferries to Colonsay from Oban five times a week in the summer and four times a week in the winter.
WHAT TO DO:
As with Many Scottish island one of the most rewarding experiences for a visitor lies in exploring.
Colonsay is no different with a sandy beaches aplenty and a rugged landscape to discover.
Kiloran beach has been described as the finest beach in the Herbrides. It lies 9km from the Colonsay Hotel and features craggy cliffs and grassy dunes.
Seafari Adventures takes visitors around the island in a fully-enclosed craft for views of the island’s scenery and unique coastal wildlife.
If you’re feeling a bit more energetic you can explore Colonsay by kayak where you can take your time as you explore the ins and outs of the island’s coastline. For more information please contact Grace or Bobby at kayakcolonsay@mail.com.
You can also visit the tidal island of Oronsay, situated off the south end of Colonsay. Walk across at low tide to see its fourteenth-century Priory, with church, cloister, medieval cross and fine grave-slabs. Timing of this crossing is crucial, so check at the Post Office for daily safe crossing times.
For those who prefer more land-orientated pursuits why not try MacPhie Bagging?
Colonsay’s equivalent to a Munro Bagging encourages walkers to climb all the peaks on Colonsay & Oransay that exceed 300ft.
There are 22 peaks on the official list.
Kevin Byrne leads an energetic walking tour each week, normally on a Saturday, for visitors wishing to learn more about Colonsay’s history and archaeology.
Visitwww.colonsay.org.uk/walks.html
Considered to have one of the finest rhododendron collections in Scotland, Colonsay House Gardens gardens are well worth a visit. The woodland gardens are open all year, with the private inner gardens open on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Colonsay also boasts an 18 hole golf course set on the beautiful Machrins machair ground. Membership (£20.00p/a) is available at the Colonsay Hotel Office and competitions are often held during the summer.
Colonsay is the smallest island in the world with its own brewery.
Its owners say the island provides an ideal environment for brewing with its plentiful supply of water and the pure unpolluted Hebridean air.
WEATHER:
Colonsay receives above average days of sunshine during the summer months and its rainfall figures are also well below those on the mainland of the west coast of Scotland.
The presence of the sea also ensures that Colonsay never gets very cold in the winter, with frost and snow a rarity.
WHERE TO STAY:
COLONSAY HOTEL
Part of the Colonsay estate, The Colonsay Hotel, is the only hotel on the island.
Located 100m from the ferry, this contemporary designed hotel is renowned for being well run and having a vibrant atmosphere.
Camping is allowed on Colonsay however it is advised to check with the Estate office for acceptable areas to pitch your tent or park your motorhome.