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 escape 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 Argyll.

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

Colonsay has an eighteen-hole golf course and a fantastic heritage centre. It 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 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

Hill walking

Cycling

Brewery

Distillery

Beaches

Standup Paddle Boarding

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Getting to the Isle of Colonsay

Your adventure begins with a journey to Argyll and the Isles. Whatever your mode of transport; plane, train, boat, bus, car or bike - your journey will include wonderful scenery - an essential part of the experience.

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BY TRAIN

ScotRail

Scotland looks beautiful from a train window. Leaving from Glasgow Queen Street station, take the daily train to Oban, where you can catch the Calmac Colonsay ferry.

The West Highland Line is considered by many to be one of the great scenic rail journeys in the world. Leaving Glasgow and heading west along the Clyde to Helensburgh, the train passes through deep forests, towering mountains, and mirrored lochs to Crianlarich. It then sweeps along the edge of Loch Awe, in the shadow of Ben Cruachan, where you will see Kilchurn Castle.

Buy Tickets and Check Timetables here.

BY BOAT

Calmac Ferries

All our inhabited islands can be reached by CalMac Ferries or Argyll Ferries. From March to late October there is a sailing everyday.

The winter schedule runs from late October to late March every year. During the winter timetable, a car ferry runs to and from Oban on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday four times a week.

The journey takes two and a quarter hours and is a beautiful one. It passes between the mainland and the islands of Kererra and Mull and then sails southwest past the islands of Seil, Luing, Scarba, and Jura.

Take the ferry from Kennacraig in Kintyre or Oban. Always book travel with cars and motorhomes ahead of time, and check the sailing status before travelling. Find out more here.

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BY PLANE

Hebridean Air Services

Colonsay can be reached by plane via Hebridean Air Services. This short flight from Oban is a special way to reach the island, although it is not a daily service. Pre-booking is essential. Find out more from Hebridean Air Services here.

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SELF DRIVE

Scenic Driving Routes

Car hire is simple and convenient if you plan on flying into Scotland. There are many car hire branches at Glasgow and Edinburgh Airports.

On the road, absorb stunning mountain landscapes and glittering loch views as you travel through the majestic west coast scenery.

There’s something cinematic about driving through Argyll’s wild scenery. Once you take to the road, you’ll soon be heading around lochs and making regular pit stops to take in the stunning scenery, key visitor attractions or cafes and restaurants serving high-quality local produce.

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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All you need to know about visiting Colonsay

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Bag the MacPhies of Colonsay and Oronsay | Wild About Argyll

Bagging Scotland’s Munros is perhaps the greatest physical challenge it has to offer. But bagging The MacPhies of Colonsay & Oronsay requires a bit less effort

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5 ways to escape from it all on Colonsay!

Colonsay has wildlife, sandy beaches with caves, fascinating archeology and a historic garden. At night enjoy stargazing or beers from Colonsay brewery.