Welcome to
An island of spectacular landscape and fantastic hospitality, Colonsay is a destination with a calendar of great festivals taking place year round.
Culture
Nature & wildlife
History & heritage
They call Colonsay the jewel of the Hebrides for a reason. Outstanding natural scenery, dramatic bays, ancient historical sites and an impressive array of festivals encompassing a myriad of arts and crafts.
No wonder Colonsay as a top destination in so many island itineraries. And that’s not even taking into account the fact that it's the smallest island in the world with its own brewery: The Colonsay Beer Co.!
Colonsay may be small but it punches above its weight culturally. Nowhere is that more apparent than the Colonsay Book Festival – the island’s own literary gathering bringing together lovers of books from across the Western isles and further afield for a weekend of literary delights. Featuring readings from the cream of Scotland’s artistic world, the festival has carved its own unique spot amongst the crowded cultural calendar. But you don’t need to wait for a single weekend to experience Colonsay’s literary pedigree, simply take a visit to the Colonsay Bookshop where you can find a range of titles, including those concerned with the local area.
No trip to the island is complete without a visit to the Colonsay House Gardens, a stunning 15 acre woodland that acts as home to many different species of plant life, including some rare trees and shrubs native to the Southern Hemisphere. Planted in the 1930s, the garden is considered to be one of the finest rhododendron gardens in Scotland. After your invigorating walk drop into the on-site café, situated on a sunny terrace and serving lunches and afternoon teas of locally grown produce and delicious home baking.
Kiloran Bay is the longest and most spectacular beach on Colonsay. Located on the North West coast of the island, the beach is popular with surfers and other water sport enthusiasts because of its crystal-clear waters and great surf. It’s also loved simply for being the perfect location for a quiet walk, taking in the natural beauty and wildlife surrounding it. A small lagoon at the Southern end of the beach is also an ideal spot for children to play and paddle in a safe environment.
