The Island

Located in the Southern Hebrides, off the west coast of Scotland, the Isle of Colonsay is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt islands in the UK. Colonsay boasts the highest sunshine hours and the best beaches of anywhere in Scotland, and indeed, the world.

The island is roughly 7 miles by 4 miles of pristine, unspoilt, Hebridean beauty. It has a single track road which meanders in a full circle with 2 spur roads to the north and south. It has gentle hills and is therefore perfect for cycling, even for small children.

The island offers a stunning variety of landscapes and views and is teeming with birds and wildlife. In a day's walk, you can see white sandy beaches, trout filled lochs and dramatic cliffs, home to thousands of nesting guillemots, terns and seagulls.

At low tide there is a glistening mile-long stretch of sand that joins Colonsay to the Isle of Oransay. The 14th century Oransay priory with its great carved stone cross and cloister are among some of the most beautiful of Scotland's ancient ecclesiastical buildings.

There are colonies of grey seals, otters playing at sea, and sometimes dolphins and whales passing by. The north of the island has wild goats. Colonsay is a birdwatcher's paradise with rare birds such as choughs, corncrakes and golden eagles to look out for.

For those interested in history and for the adventurous, there are mysterious standing stones, ancient hilltop forts and ruined chapels to discover dotted around the island.

The Isle of Colonsay is truly like no other holiday destination, it gives you the chance to catch your breath in this increasingly busy world.