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

Now that lockdown restrictions have been eased we are now expecting visitors back on Colonsay. Please remember that all visitors must comply with Scotland’s COVID19 rules and we hope that all will be sensitive and respectful to the people who live in our island community by following social distancing guidelines. Unfortunately, visitors will not be able to enjoy the full island experience that they have come to expect, however, we have a high proportion of shielded and vulnerable people on Colonsay and hope that you understand our strong concern for their continued well-being.

If you don't follow the rules, you risk bringing the virus to our island.

The Colonsay Marketing Group has produced some visitor guidelines - please download the PDF below for more details. Thank You.

PDF icon Visitor Guidelines COMMUNITY 2020.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 »

Colonsay Moorings Development

 
A Marine License Application for the 10 moorings due to go into Queen’s Bay was submitted to the Crown Estate in March. CCDC also submitted an application to Marine Scotland in late April. Both these applications have had a considerable amount of input from MOWI who are one of our key match-funders for this development. We hope to hear if our applications are successful in the next six to eight weeks. MOWI would like to see the moorings installed as soon as possible, but as you would expect, COVID-19 has impacted many of the administrative and physical processes required to see the 2 tonne anchor blocks put in place. Similarly, the Path Development has been delayed due to an inability to source materials. Our funder, Paths for All, are understanding of the situation and are willing to work with us on this. Colonsay Estate has agreed in principle to the path up to the church and we are working through the details with them.  
In the meantime, CCDC have been corresponding with other marine establishments, and are working on a management plan which incorporates an online booking system for the moorings.  
If anyone has any thoughts or questions about the moorings. Please contact Roz Jewell: rjewellccdc.ldo@gmail.com