Visitor Attractions
The Isle of Colonsay boasts a number of places worth visiting. Famous gardens, an ancient priory, a heritage centre and a micro brewery there is plenty to see and do for all ages.
The Colonsay House gardens are considered to have one of the finest rhododendron collections in Scotland and the cafe serves delicious lunches and home baking.
There is a magnificent ancient priory on the neighbouring island of Oronsay.
Colonsay has its own beer micro brewery, the most remote brewery in Scotland! It is located next to the Village Hall.
There are 2 gin distilleries; Colonsay gin made by Wild Thyme Spirits located at Kilchattan and Wild Island Gin made by Colonsay Brewery next to the Village hall.
There is a charming Heritage centre located in the Baptist Church in Kilchattan on the western side of the island.
Colonsay House Gardens and Café
The Colonsay House rhododendron and woodland garden is considered to be one of the finest rhododendron gardens in Scotland.
The Colonsay House private gardens and cafe are open from 1st April to September on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 to 5pm. In October, the gardens and cafe are open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 - 4.30pm. The cafe serves delicious lunches and afternoon teas, everything is baked on the premises and we use our own home grown produce where possible. There is an entrance fee of £3 per adult and £1 per child to the inner gardens.
The outer walled woodland gardens are open to the public for no charge at all times.
The garden was planted mostly in the 1930's and has an exceptional variety, not only of rhododendrons, but also of trees and shrubs including some exotic species from the southern hemisphere.The woodland garden covers some 20 acres.
The design takes full advantage of the natural features of the landscape with paths winding through hidden wooded valleys and up hills to reveal magnificent vistas toward and beyond the early Georgian House. There is a large pond and a stream running through the centre of the garden.
The more formal walled gardens surround Colonsay House which are filled with colourful mixed borders, climbing roses and clematis, and, more unusually, agapanthus.
The lighthouse garden's centrepiece is the lens from the Rhubhal lighthouse on Islay.
As the climate is mild, it is possible to grow a large variety of plants, including subtropical and more tender plants.There are eucalypts, myrtle, acacia, eucryphia and magnificent 50 feet tall magnolias dotted throughout the garden.
Apart from the rhododendrons, there is also a wide selection of shrubs including pieris, fuschia, hydrangea, olearia, escallonia and camellia.
Oronsay Priory
The island of Oronsay is accessible from Colonsay at low tide. The ruins of the priory church and magnificent Celtic cross date from the 14th century. In the Prior’s House, there are around 30 beautiful carved stone tombstones dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. It is said that St Columba landed on Oronsay on his way to Iona in the 6th century. When he climbed Ben Oronsay he found he could still see Ireland and decided to move on! You have about two hours either side of low tide to walk to and from Oronsay, weather permitting. Check in the office, on the noticeboard or at the Post Office for times of the tides. The RSPB manage the farming and dogs are only allowed on Oronsay if on leads.
Heritage Centre
The Heritage centre is located in the Baptist Church in Kilchattan.
The door is usually open in the Baptist church; come and have a look at exhibitions and artefacts of local interest.
Brewery
The island’s very own craft micro brewery producing lager and ale. It is also a gin distillery and makes a range of gins. Located at Scalasaig, the Brewery and Brewery shop are open for viewings and sales throughout the season.
Tel 01951 200190