Map of Colonsay

Colonsay, the jewel of the Hebrides, is about 10 miles long and 2 miles wide with 135 friendly inhabitants, and little more than 2 hours from Oban by our modern and very comfortable ferry. Our outstanding natural scenery is rivalled only by the wealth and diversity of our flora and fauna, and our archaeological sites are of international importance. 

Local activities include agriculture, oyster-farming, arts, crafts, honey production, a brewery, accommodation for visitors, lobster-fishing, publishing and even a substantial bird sanctuary. The island plays host to a variety of festivals throughout the year celebrating our music, culture, literature and natural assets. Please explore and enjoy our community website - and, when you get an opportunity, come and join us in Colonsay.

Covid-19 Update

Welcome to Colonsay. We hope you have a restful holiday here after the stresses of the last year. Our welcome, though warm, will need to be socially distanced as we all comply with Scotland’s COVID-19 rules and guidelines. Colonsay’s small population has lived in isolation during lockdown, particularly because we have a high proportion of shielded and vulnerable people. Knowing your affection for Colonsay, we are sure that you will appreciate that the community continues to be deeply concerned for our vulnerable folk, so we'd like to encourage everyone planning to visit our island to take two lateral flow tests as recommended by the Scottish Government in its recent announcement. You'll find details of how to get hold of the tests here and in the CTMG Visitor Guidelines PDF below.

Thank You.
Colonsay Community Council

PDF icon Colonsay Visitor Guidelines May 1 2021.pdf

Calmac’s website has up-to-date, detailed information and advice on how travel is affected at this difficult time: www.calmac.co.uk

We are focussing on community resilience through this crisis. We are grateful to the Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise for making available the ‘Supporting Communities Fund’ on Colonsay.

Accommodation »

We have a wide range of friendly and welcoming places to stay on Colonsay: Self Catering, Bed & Breakfast, a Hostel and Hotel. Find out more and plan your visit »

About Colonsay »

Colonsay offers great tranquility and packs a wide variety of unspoilt natural beauty into its varied habitats. We are proud of our rich heritage and history and would love to share it with you. Read more about our island »

Things to do »

Beaches, wildlife, music, food, and book festivals, fishing, golf, walking tours and MacPhie bagging. See just some of the activities available on Colonsay »

Getting to Colonsay »

By aeroplane or ferry, with a car, bike or on foot from the train: all of the information you need to plan your trip. Find out more »

Old Baptist Manse Announcement

CCDC are pleased to be able to provide short term accommodation to a local family who need to bridge the gap between two tenancies. One of CCDC's main aims is to provide or assist in the provision of housing and we are delighted that bringing this asset into community ownership has allowed us to fulfill this aim. 

In allocating residential use of the Old Manse, Colonsay Community Development Company adopts the policy of giving priority to those in need as a result of the housing shortage on the island; individuals who have made a commitment to making Colonsay their home.  Consideration is given to the resources available to that family or individual, the urgency of their need, and assesses all details on a case by case basis.  

CCDC intends to use this community asset later in the year in support of TSL Contractors Ltd throughout the Scalasaig affordable housing development, and to use the time concurrently to consult the community again with longer-term plans in mind. It is intended that work at the Old Manse itself will be undertaken by TSL during their time there, and this will enhance future possibilities for its use.