Colonsay

Colonsay is a small island in the Inner Hebrides, lying between Islay and Mull. It stretches eight kilometres from south-west to north-east and reaches five kilometres at its widest. The landscape mixes open moorland with sheltered woods and several sandy beaches. A tidal causeway links it to the smaller island of Oronsay. The island’s past is unusually rich for its size. Archaeologists found a Mesolithic pit at Staosnaig filled with hundreds of thousands of burned hazelnut shells, dated to around 6000 BCE. Ruined forts such as Dùn Cholla and Dùn Meadhonach dot the hills, while St Cathan’s Chapel may date from the 14th century. Viking remains at Kiloran Bay include a boat burial with silver goods. Visitors walk the quiet paths between Carnan Eoin’s 143-metre summit and Kiloran Bay’s golden sands. The main settlement, Scalasaig, has a small post office, café and bakery beside the harbour. Colonsay House, home to the present laird, overlooks the water, and the island’s bookshop specialises in local history.