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.

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

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Top reasons to visit

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Hill walking
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Cycling
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Brewery
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Distillery
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Beaches
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Standup Paddle Boarding

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Stravaigin Sailing

We are a small family run business located on Scotland’s west coast in the heart of the best cruising and adventure arena our country has to offer. Join us o...

North Pier Pontoons
Oban
PA34 5PX

Tel: 07833 103020

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The Majestic Line (Scotland) Ltd

Step aboard a small ship cruise with The Majestic Line, a Scottish holiday with a difference. Sail the Inner and Outer Hebrides, Loch Ness, the Caledonian Ca...

18 Highland Avenue
Sandbank
Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 8PB

Tel: 01369707951

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Basking Shark Scotland

Operating across Argyll & the Isles, our wildlife-watching adventures run from April - October. Basking Shark Scotland is the only dedicated snorkel oper...

Cluaran
Crannaig-a-Mhinister
Oban
PA34 4LX

Tel: 07975 723140

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Provident Sailing

A holiday on Provident will introduce you to the fabulous west coast of Scotland, where you can explore the islands, coasts, harbours, and hills of Argyll an...

Head Office, Dunstaffnage Marina
Dunbeg
Oban
PA37 1PX

Tel: 07549 935222

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McKinlay Kidd Ltd

Award-winning specialist tour operator making holidays differently throughout Argyll and the Isles. At McKinlay Kidd, we like to get up close and personal wi...

Head Office, McKinlay Kidd
6/1 (front) The Hatrack
144 St Vincent St
Glasgow
G2 5LQ

Tel: 0141 260 9260

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Artmap Argyll

Artmap Argyll is a network of Artists who work across Argyll, from Kintyre in the south, up to Ballachulish in the north and out to the Isle of Tiree. Our me...

No 1 Balliebeg
Castleton
Lochgilphead
PA31 8RU

Tel: 07708461081

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Argyll Safaris

Rab is passionate about Argyll, its landscape, culture and heritage. With 60 medieval castles, 32 clan seats, and 1256 Neolithic standing stones, it is the b...

Rughriach
Old Shore Road
PA37 1PT

Tel: 07760880757

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Wild at Art Ltd

Our immersive creative experiences combine art workshops with handpicked accommodation and eateries, visits to galleries and exhibitions, and more. Develop y...

Wild at Art Ltd
1 Craigard, North Campbell Road
Innellan
Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 7SB

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Must Visit Places

ISLAY & JURA

Argyll and the Isles boasts a growing network of cultural organisations, artists and makers inspired by the environment and communities they live within. 

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Islay Sea Adventures Scallops And Whisky
OBAN, LORN & ISLES

The seaside town of Oban is a great place for a holiday with much to see and do in wider area and nearby Inner Hebridean islands.

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MV Finlaggan And MV Isle Of Mull In Oban Bay
INNER HEBRIDEAN ISLANDS

Argyll & the Isles is home to 23 inhabited islands, each combining stunning scenery and awe-inspiring landscapes.

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Getting here

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Planning your journey

Nearly all journeys to Colonsay start from Oban.

Colonsay is served by a Caledonian MacBrayne ferries from Oban and there are additional sailings from Kennacraig and Islay to and from Colonsay. 

There is also an excellent air service that operates from Oban Airport via Islay. 

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