Isle of Colonsay

Scotland's Island Coast

Colonsay and nearby Oronsay, are famed for tranquillity, unspoilt beauty and sandy beaches. They are the ideal destination for anyone seeking to get away from it all.

Colonsay's craggy, heather-backed hills support a bewildering array of plant and birdlife, wild goats and rabbits, and one of the finest quasi-tropical gardens in Scotland.

A must-visit is Kiloran Bay, one of the most stunning beaches in all of Argyll.

It doesn't stop there, you’ll find a huge diversity of flora and fauna, so pack your binoculars as you’ll have over a hundred different birds to spot, including the rare chough and corncrake.

Colonsay has an eighteen-hole golf course, a fantastic heritage centre and is home to Wild Thyme Spirits, where you can take a guided tour around the local gin distillery.

With around 125 inhabitants, Colonsay and its local residents, guarantee a friendly welcome and are happy to share local history, beauty spots and brilliant craftsmanship on the island.

The neighbouring island of Oransay, accessible at low tide, has been inhabited since 7000 BC meaning there are many archaeological remains to explore and get a sense of life here in years gone by.

Gaelic in Scotland

The indigenous language of Argyll contains great richness of expression. Here we have shared a phrase from local Gaelic poetry about the Isle of Colonsay.

Domhall MacNéill

Eilean àlainn snàmh san iar (A beautiful island floats in the west)

Àilleagan gu bràth nam chridhe (Jewel in my heart forever)

With thanks to partners CHARTS

Enjoy a Hebridean Island Adventure

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Top reasons to visit

Hill walking

Cycling

Brewery

Distillery

Beaches

Standup Paddle Boarding

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