Let me preface this list by saying that there is a lot that can go wrong with non-fresh seafood. Of course there is. But fresh seafood, honestly, it’s hard to mess it up! When it’s sea to plate in a matter of hours or days, chances are, it’s going to be incredible. That’s why this list isn’t a ranking, more of a … standing seal of approval by yours truly.

This Scottish seafood journey of mine started out of a personal curiosity who had the best seafood platter in Scotland. That evolved into a journey traveling to the source of great food, finding some of the best seafood shacks in Scotland, and fully trying to experience Scottish seafood it in all its freshest glory.

All of the places on this list are all top quality seafood establishments, a few are sit down restaurants. And, as expected, none of them are located inland or in a big city.

Without further ado, the best seafood in Scotland.

* Skipness Seafood Cabin – Skipness

Making its rounds in the UK press recently, the Skipness Seafood Cabin has been a hidden gem on the west coast of Scotland for those in the know. With the castle ruins of Skipness Castle next to you and the Isle of Arran in front of you, the views at Skipness Seafood Cabin can’t be beat.

• Located 20 minutes from Kennacraig (Islay ferry terminal) and at the top of the Kintyre peninsula.
• Seafood platter 2022 price for 1 person: 18£
• poached salmon, cold smoked salmon, hot smoked salmon, gravalax, brown crab, white crab, mussels, langoustine, and oyster;
• includes a little salad.

* Birsay Bay Tea Room – Orkney Islands

On the northerly tip of mainland Orkney is the Birsay Bay Team Room. Enjoy sweeping views of the Brough of Birsay Lighthouse with your Taste of Orkney platter, paying tribute to Orkney’s amazing local food producers! Following your meal, take a stroll down the street to the Earl’s Palace, the ruins of the first Earl of Orkney’s castle.

• Located 30 minutes drive from Kirkwall on Mainland Orkney;
• Taste of Orkney platters: prices starting 15£ per person;
• Items vary, but some of the things included in mine were: smoked salmon pate wrapped in smoked salmon, stone crab claws and meat, peppered smoked mackerel, locally cooked ham, sliced beef.
• The cheeses are locally made from Orkney Cheddar, Burnside Cheese (a small batch cheese producer using local cows milk) and Wilsons of Westray (from few islands north of mainland Orkney).
• The Taste of Orkney platter offered in the summer season only;
• Call them at +44 (0) 1856 721 399 to reserve your Taste of Orkney platter – 3 days notice please.

* Tobermory Fish Co – Isle of Mull

A seafood platter from Tobermory Fish Co is the best treat you could give yourself when visiting the Isle of Mull!

• Located just outside Tobermory;
• Seafood platter 2022 price for 1 person: 20£
• cold smoked salmon, hot smoked salmon, mackeral pate, oysters, langoustine, and smoked mussels;
• includes some oatcakes and bread;
• call them at +44 (0) 1688 302120 to order a seafood platter to pick up.

The shop also has local produce and fresh (raw) seafood for purchase. Keep your eye out for some Island Bakery Lemon Melts (my favorite) and some Isle of Mull Seaweed Chutney!

Take a tour of Tobermory Distillery on Mull, and grab a whisky to pair with your seafood platter!

* Oban Seafood Hut (Green Shack) – Oban

Just because I’ve never gotten a seafood platter from the Oban Seafood Hut, it doesn’t mean it’s less worthy of inclusion on this list… it just means that I’m always craving mussels when I’m in Oban! Luckily, I have seafood-loving-friends who had the grand platter shown above.

• Located at the Oban ferry terminal. You can’t miss the green shack on the pier.
• There are two types of platters, shared between two people – the grand platter (38.50£) and the “regular” platter (23.50£);
• The grand platter typically has lobster, crab, scallops, langoustine;
• served with bread.

While you’re there, visit the Food from Argyll shop a few doors down, where you can find the coffees, cakes and snacks from Argyll’s local food producers!

* Islay Sea Adventures – Isle of Islay

I know, you’re thinking what is a boat adventure company doing on this list? Well, outside of the wilderness and fishing tours Islay Sea Adventures offers, they also offer a Seafood Special Tour. Starting in Port Ellen, you’ll follow the southern coast passing by whisky distilleries. Grab the binoculars for seal and deer sightings along the way.

Halfway through, you’ll pull into a bay when Harold fires up the grill. Fresh hand-dived scallops grilled with butter and herbs to go along with lobster and crab platter in the boat. There are plenty of scallops, lobster and crab for everyone! I’ve been with Harold and Gus from Islay Sea Adventures many times and have always walked away with very full and very happy friends!

• recently shortlisted for the Highlands and Islands Tourism Award for best outdoor / adventure activity;
• the Seafood Special tour leaves from Port Ellen, and is offered once a week;
• 2023 price per person: 100£;
• lobster, brown crab, and freshly grilled scallops;
• includes salad and bread.

* Colonsay Pantry – Colonsay

Seafood nights at the Colonsay Pantry are legendary and gorgeously fresh, and absolutely perfect if you are taking the evening’s ferry back to Islay! Located in Scalasaig, the Colonsay Pantry cannot be missed during your Colonsay visit.

• Available Wednesday’s and Saturday’s (April to October)
• shrimp (prawns), oysters, hot smoked salmon, smoked mussels, scallops, crab, steamed mussels, battered cod bites,
• served with a salad,
• Seafood platter 2022 price for 1 person: 35£
• reservations (mentioning seafood night) must be made in advance.

* Glenegedale House – Isle of Islay

No foodie visit to Islay is complete without a lush seafood platter from award-winning Glenegedale House, a luxury bed and breakfast. Emma and Graeme, owners of Glenegedale House, have built incredible relationships with the local fishing community, and are proud to share the stories of the people who caught and landed their fresh catch hours earlier!

• Seafood platter 2022 price for 2 people: 110£;
• Dinners can be enjoyed by guests and a limited number of non-guests;
• lobster, crab, langoustine, scallops, hot smoked salmon, cold smoked salmon;
• served with oat cakes, light salad, and homemade bread;
• Reservations must be made in advance – either through email or by phoning them at +44 (0) 1496 300400.

* Oyster Shed – Isle of Skye

I finally made it to the Oyster Shed! Located in the village of Carbost, it is a must-eat for any foodie visiting Skye and is often considered the best seafood on the Isle of Skye!

• There is a farm shop and outdoor picnic area. Order inside the farm shop and pick up next door at the picnic area! You can slurp up a few oysters in the farm shop while you wait.
• Seafood platter price: 40£ (changes depending on catch)
• I didn’t get a seafood platter, but I did get that gorgeous 1/2 kilo of crab claws with fries! for only 12.50£!
• Enjoy views of Loch Harport while you eat.
• Open Monday – Saturday, all year round.

Combine your lunch with a whisky tasting from nearby Talisker Distillery, which is within walking distance.

* The Creel Seafood Bar – Fionnphort, Isle of Mull

Voted Scotland’s best seafood establishment in 2021, there’s no wonder why. The Creel Seafood Bar‘s seafood is landed at the pier within walking distance! Enjoy your seafood with views of the Isle of Iona on their outdoor deck seating area.

The seafood platter is available by contacting them 24 hours in advance, and it will be waiting for you when you arrive! It was so incredibly light and fresh! Perfect for enjoying in the sunshine. Outside of the seafood platter, get fish and chips or scampi and chips, or a black pudding and scallop roll, the possibilities are endless! Definitely one of the best seafood shacks in Scotland!

• shrimp (prawns), smoked salmon, lobster, white crab
• served with a salad,
• Seafood platter 2023 price for 1 person: 33£
• Contact them 24 hours in advance at +44 (0) 7864 605682 or on IG to order your seafood platter

* The Bay Fish and Chips – Stonehaven

The Bay Fish and Chips gets a special mention on this seafood list, because of it’s commitment to sustainable fishing practices (and also because of the deliciousness of the fish and chips!). The Bay is the first fish and chip shop in the UK to be certified by the Marine Conservation Society, which means that their North Sea catches are fully sustainable, and deliciously fresh. When I was in their shop recently, they also had their Carbon Reduction Plan available on the front counter for anyone’s perusal. So, this commitment to sustainability can be found everywhere!

• Located right on Stonehaven Bay just south of Aberdeen;
• Available to order online for pick up;
• the MSC Standard Haddock (with chips) will set you back 10.20£
• there’s some seating directly outside the shop, but walk along the promenade or down to the beach for additional seating;
• Expert tip💡: finish your chippy and head next door to Aunt Betty’s for some delicious ice cream, with free candy toppings and sauces.
• Work off your chippy and ice cream and take the Stonehaven Coastal Path down to Dunnottar Castle for incredible coastal scenes and dramatic cliffside castle.

* Tarbert Seafood Festival – Tarbert

Held the first weekend in July in Tarbert (as there are several Tarberts in Scotland, this is the one located at the top of the Kintyre peninsula, in Argyll & Bute), the Tarbert Seafood Festival was fun and delicious enough for me to include on this list. With a crowned Seafood Queen, and kids dressed up in all things aquatic (anything from mermaids to octopus to Baywatch lifeguards), it’s such a quirky festival atmosphere – plus, with great food! You’ll smell garlic butter scallops sizzling as you walk along the stands, evaluating your choices. Don’t wait too long to get into the seafood paella queue! For me, it was the crayfish tikka tacos from the Murphy’s Pakora Bar food truck. It was GORGEOUSLY spiced, and ABSOLUTELY stunning. This is the Scottish seafood I need!

• Note: this event is not heavily publicized, but expect updates on the Facebook page! Remember, usually the first weekend in July.

* The Oyster Shed – Isle of Islay

Islay Oysters have been around for quite some time, regularly making an appearance at the annual Feis Festival to enjoy with a sprinkling of whisky. In 2022, the folk behind the delicious Islay Oysters opened up a restaurant, The Oyster Shed, which sits on the eastern banks of Loch Gruinart. Enjoy delicious menu items like my crab sandwich on their homemade focaccia bread, stuffed to the brim with lump crab meat. Or their locally raised meat from nearby Craigens farm which are the stars of their Curried Lamb sandwich and Pulled Beef sandwiches.

Feast on locally grown oysters directly from Loch Gruinart – choose from au natural (with a lemon), mignonette sauce (vinegar, shallots, and peppers), or deep fried served with garlic mayo.

• Check their Facebook for latest opening times and menu;
• or phone them at +44 (0) 1496 850256 to book a table or order oysters directly for pick up!

* The Lobster Pot – Blackness, Linlithgow

I have to thank my friend Dr. H for bringing me to this great establishment. The Lobster Pot is a quirky and fun pub (and local shop) located in the Firth of Forth harbour village of Blackness. Inside, there’s a daily lobster board, with your fresh lobster options. There’s also a normal pub menu in case you’re not in the mood for lobster that day, but let’s be real – lobster is the real star of the show!

From the lobster board that day, there was the 1/2 lobster & burger, (full) lobster & chips, lobster mayonnaise (foodies, I’m not really sure what this one is!), lobster thermidor (shell-on style), and finally, a steak and 1/2 lobster.

• Check their website for their menu and to book a table. We went during the off-season, but got the last available table at lunch! So, be sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment!
• Blackness Castle, famous in recent years as an Outlander filming location, is just a 5 minute walk from the Lobster Pot. I highly suggest a visit to the castle to walk off your lobster, and to take in the view of all the Forth bridges!
• Speaking of Outlander, if you are looking to travel through the stones during your Scotland trip, I’ve written a post on the main Outlander filming locations, and how to visit them! The post includes directions on public transpo and tour suggestions to those harder-to-reach locations.

* The Nook – Isle of Gigha

If you’re ever heading to Gigha and are looking for an incredible seafood surprise, then look no further than The Nook, a seafood takeaway located next to “the shop”. Trust me, if you’ve been to Gigha, you’ll know where I mean. The menu is what I would consider fun Scottish seafood street food, with braised octopus tacos, a delicious prawn bap, smoked Gigha halibut bagels, just to give you a little hint! Joe, the owner, is fantastic and made a wonderful suggestion to add an order of chips (which were light and crispy and perfectly salted). If I were ranking seafood shacks, would this be considered one of the best seafood shacks in Scotland? 100% YES. The Nook is the hottest thing right now in Scottish seafood street food in my opinion!! Get excited! (and travel to Gigha, exclusively to eat at The Nook!)

Other great seafood establishments in Scotland

There are other great seafood establishments in Scotland I want to share that don’t quite fit my seafood list above – but I still love them the same!

* No. 88 – Lerwick, Shetland

Take a break from solving crimes in Shetland and eat at least one meal at No. 88 in Lerwick. If you want to know the exact distance your food traveled before it appeared on your plate, the folks at No. 88 are happy to chat about their incredible food suppliers. Also, fun fact: No. 88 is Chef Nick Nairn’s favorite lobster in the world.

* Port Charlotte Hotel – Port Charlotte, Isle of Islay

The Port Charlotte Hotel on the Rhinns of Islay has your freshest catch and local beef, venison and lamb on the menu. It also has my favorite fish and chips on Islay! Choose from the “posh” with three different kinds of fish, and “traditional” with just haddock. Despite what you may think, traditional for me!

* Fisherman’s Pier Fish & Chip Van – Tobermory, Isle of Mull

A perfect way to refuel after a day spent watching otters on Mull or puffins on nearby Staffa. I love a fish and chips (salt, no vinegar, I’m a weirdo, I know), so when I’m on Mull, you’ll find me at the chip van, conveniently located on the pier at Tobermory.

* Loch Fyne Oysters and Deli – Loch Fyne

The perfect refuel stop on A83, located just outside Inveraray, halfway between Glasgow and Kennacraig (the Islay ferry port). With wonderfully fresh seafood, Loch Fyne Oysters is a beautifully decorated loch-side restaurant. The look and feel is coastal grandma, the food is kiss the chef gorgeous.

* Tailend – St. Andrews

Go for 18-holes at the Old Course in St. Andrews and head straight to Tailend, a restaurant & takeaway chippy owned by G&A Spink Fishmerchants in Arbroath. They supply all the fish to the restaurant fresh on a daily basis!

The ones that I haven’t tried yet, simply because I’ve been unable to travel there!

• The Seafood Shack – Ullapool – The NC500’s best seafood shack! Fresh catch is dropped off every morning, and their day’s menu depends on the day’s catch.
• The Pierhouse Hotel – Appin – Located in Port Appin, on the banks of Loch Linnhe in Argyll, this west coast hotel and restaurant will be perfect for a future dine and stay.
• Botanica at the Barn – Tighnabruaich – recently included in National Geographic UK’s Culinary Guide to Argyll. The menu uses local ingredients sourced from Argyll or foraged by the chef / owner from the surrounding forest and sea.
• Anstruther Fish Bar – Anstruther, Fife – regularly wins the UK’s best fish and chip awards and is the world’s first fish and chip shop to earn a Chain of Custody seafood sustainability certification from the Marine Stewardship Council!

Are you a Scottish foodie? Are there incredible seafood establishments in Scotland that I’ve missed in my list? Leave me a comment below and let me know!

Pin it for later!

Lannie

Lannie is a perpetual wanderer and loves to share her travel adventures and the food she eats along the way with everyone.  She works during the day while bouncing around the world and dreams about new places and faces at night!  She has a home on the magical Isle of Islay in Scotland, where the whisky flows freely and happily.

Click on the blue icons below to follow her on social media!

lanniesfoodandtravel.com/index.php/about-me/

In years past, I never really gave “visiting islands” a second thought when choosing a holiday destination. It wasn’t until a former friend told me that he had a goal of visiting an island every year. The irony that we were having this discussion on Singapore, an island where we both lived at the time, was not lost on me.

For me, I was just in love with island life – the culture, the food, the feel. Previously, that applied to more tropical islands, as I lived for a few years between Singapore and Thailand, visiting Thai, Indonesian, Malaysian, and Polynesian islands that I could.

In the years that followed, my love for island life extended itself to Scotland. While Scottish islands definitely have a different feel than the tropical islands I was used to, the vibe of Scottish island life still got me hooked! Having bought a place on the Scottish Isle of Islay in early 2021, the things that I love about island life still ring true. Something that Scottish islands have in excess than other island communities I’ve visited previously, the warm sense of hospitality toward visitors!

Just a little side note before I continue on to the Scottish Islands Passport. The US National Park Service also has a similar National Park Passport, which is a physical book you can take around to each National Park. Each National Park has a stamping station, where you can stamp the date of your visit, with a unique national park design. There are also supplementary info and sticker sheets you can buy to give more details on the National Park itself. Many moons ago, when my family exclusively vacationed in US National Parks, my mom and my sister each got a National Park Passport. Me? I was too cool for school and didn’t want one.

Do I have a world of regrets of not getting one? Of course I do.

Luckily for all those people who are too cool for school now, the Scottish Islands Passport is a digital app, so any regrets are easily rectified! But before I get too far along, allow me to introduce the Scottish Islands Passport

1. Scottish Islands Passport: an intro

The Scottish Islands Passport is a project funded by the Scottish Government, the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS), Shetland’s Transport Partnership (ZetTrans), and a number of rural development programs. Of the 800+ Scottish islands, 72 islands were selected for inclusion into the Scottish Islands Passport.

Why not include all 800+ Scottish Islands?

Well, the majority of Scottish islands are uninhabited. Of the 72 islands included in the Scottish Islands Passport, they all (first) inhabited. You can’t really get a passport stamped if there is no one there to stamp it! (Ok, in a digital world, you can, but still).

Not only was being populated a criteria, there were two other points for selection:

– easy access by regular public (or low-cost) transport;
– welcoming to visitors from all walks of life.

Scottish Islands Passport – Our Islands

So, being inhabited, easy access via public / low-cost transport, and welcoming of all visitors. Sounds like the kind of islands I would visit!

2. The Scottish Islands Passport App

The Scottish Islands Passport is a digital passport, as opposed to a physical one. Feel free to download the app from Google Play or Apple’s App Store.

There are a few main features of the app:

• Explore a geographic area – If you know you’re looking for Northern Isles (i.e. Shetland or Orkney), or islands in a different direction, you can explore the islands via a pinned map section;
• Discover your perfect island – input all the things you want to achieve for your island getaway and out pops out the islands which you may enoy! various inputs include: history/heritage, food and drink (me!!), outdoor activities, nature or arts/music. You can even include whether you are looking for family friendly activities or festival-type events. What you’ll get is a list of tentative ideas for Scottish islands holidays.
• When you’ve chosen the island, you can find a variety of ideas for your Scottish islands holidays. It will share what the island is famous for, some insider tips, references for accommodations and useful guides on how to get to the island.
• On the “Experiences” tab for each island, is a running list of local island businesses, things to see and do, places to eat and any local festivals the island may have!
• Create a photo journal of your favorite memories on your trip and share later!
• and then of course, the Passport.

Just a few screen shots to show you the interface. But if you didn’t notice above, who wants to go to the Barra and Vatersay Potato Competition during the potato festival?? COUNT ME IN!

3. How to collect passport stamps for Scottish islands

When you visit Scottish Islands, some locations will have a QR code for you to scan to add your passport. If you forget to scan the QR code, or if you want to record your previous scottish islands, there is the option to do that as well!

Each of the passport stamps are designed to represent an important part of the island’s culture. Look at how beautiful Orkney and Jura’s stamps are!

Under the tab of stamp story, you can read about what the stamp represesnts in both Gaelic and English.

You can view your full passport on the Passport tab on the bottom. Each of teh passports are arranged in section by island groups. For me, I’ve been to:

• 4 of 18 South Western Isles (Colonsay, Islay, Jura, Mull)
• 1 of 22 North Western Isles (Skye)
• 2 of 32 Northern Isles (Mainland Orkney and South Ronaldsay)

4. Parting Thoughts

Generally, I think the Scottish Islands Passport is a really fun idea! Personally for me, I’m always looking for new islands to explore. It can help those indecisive folks who can’t choose one island, or even those who are looking for a new festival to celebrate. Watch out Barra next August – I’m comin for the potato festival!

The Scottish Islands Passport app is free to download so why not give it a download and start planning your next island adventure! Download here from Google Play or Apple’s App Store.

If you’re looking for different ideas for Scottish island adventures, I’ve written about a few:

• the Isle of Islay – my home, and a dominant force in the scotch whisky world;
• Colonsay – nearby, with lots of walks and incredible seafood and gin;
• Orkney Islands – which I did as a wee day trip from John o’Groates, but should really be a holiday unto itself;
• go on a seafood adventure in Scotland, following my expertly curated list of best seafood spots;
• the Isle of Skye – home of stunning landscapes and where fairies tend to hide;
• a west coast and Treshnish Isles puffin adventure with famed Scottish photographer, Bryan Millar Walker.

Or, if you’d like to take a small-group tour to the islands, check out Rabbie’s – they are highly recommended! Some of their island offerings include:

• Outer Hebrides & Skye – 6 day tour, seeing Loch Ness, Callanish standing stones, Skye and Lewis and Harris (and more!) from 465£;
• Orkney Islands & NC500 – 5 day tour, seeing Orkney, Culloden, and driving along the North Coast 500, from 379£;
• Iona, Mull & the Isle of Skye – 5 day tour, with Fingal’s Cave, the Iona Abbey, and Glencoe among its main sites, from 415£;
• or my home – Islay and the Whisky Coast – a 4 day tour, from 335£

And check out my friend Kay’s blog, The Chaotic Scot. Scottish islands accessible by public transport are her thing! So far she’s visited 62 Scottish islands. Incredible!

Lastly, be sure you’re prepared for the weather. If you love Scotland, you’ll have to love its weather too.

In Scotland, there is no such thing as bad weather – only the wrong clothes.

Billy Connolly, Scottish legend

• From my experience, the best casual shoes for Scotland weather are AllBirds Rain Repellent series (UK), and honestly, I wear my AllBirds Mizzles everywhere in Scotland.
• For those AllBirds fans in the US, get a free pair of socks when you use my link – just add the socks to your cart, and it will be subtracted at checkout!

And with that little nugget of preparedness, I bid you adieu!

Lannie

Lannie is a perpetual wanderer and loves to share her travel adventures and the food she eats along the way with everyone.  She works during the day while bouncing around the world and dreams about new places and faces at night!  She has a home on the magical Isle of Islay in Scotland, where the whisky flows freely and happily.

Click on the blue icons below to follow her on social media!

lanniesfoodandtravel.com/index.php/about-me/

1. Arriving and Getting Around Colonsay

Colonsay is an island in the Inner Hebrides, located off of the western coast of mainland Scotland. It is directly north of Islay and south of Mull. Being an island, Colonsay is only accessible by ferry or by airplane.

1.1 Arrival in Colonsay by Ferry

• Islay to Colonsay by ferry – Ferry service on Wednesday and Saturdays on the Summer Timetable (March/April to October), and takes 70 minutes from Port Askaig. Upcoming winter timetables not yet published, but likely have reduced sailings.
  • The ferry departs Port Askaig (Islay) at 12:15, arrives Colonsay at 13:25. If you’re only doing a day trip, you’ll get a full 6 hours on Colonsay.
  • The return ferry departs Colonsay at 19:35 and returns to Port Askaig at 20:45.
  • Fare for vehicle: 34.30 GBP (return)
  • Adult fare: 6.90 GBP (return).
  • For me, since I brought a car, that was a combined total of 41.20 GBP / $59 USD return trip.
  • If you’re going from Islay to Colonsay, you’ll get a view of the three northern distilleries on Islay on your way out – Caol Ila, Ardnahoe and Bunnahabhein, as well as the Paps of Jura!
• Oban to Colonsay by ferry (mainland Scotland) – Daily ferry service (Summer timetable) and takes appropriately 2+ hours. Winter sailings are reduced to 4x a week.
  • Ferry departure and arrival times vary depending on the day of the week.
  • Fare for vehicle: 79.80 GBP (return)
  • Adult fare: 15.60 GBP (return)

Although Colonsay only 10 miles long by 2 miles wide, a car is not necessary. Many people say the best way to explore the island is by bike. But for me, I brought my car due to my limited time on Colonsay.

1.2 Arrive in Colonsay by Air

Hebridean Air currently services Colonsay, from Oban. Flights are on Thursdays, and regardless of summer or winter, Hebridean Air operates 2 flights per day.

• Depending on which flight you take that day, fares are either 32.50 GBP or 67 GBP each way. Return trips therefore range between 65 GBP to 130 GBP. Bookings can be done online.

1.3 Getting around Colonsay

As far as my research could tell me, taxis and rental cars are not available on Colonsay, which is part of the reason I suggested you bring a car onto the ferry with you. However, walking holidays are quite popular on Colonsay, as are biking holidays.

1.3.1 By bike or paddle board

Bikes are available to rent from Colonsay Bikes and Boards. Bike rental for adults are 15 GBP per day, or 70 GBP per week. Bikes will be delivered to your accommodation or anywhere on the island (i.e. ferry terminal). There is a delivery charge of 5 GBP. The bike rental includes a helmet for safety and an island map! Just so you have a slight indication of size, it takes 1-2 hours to bike around the whole island, with a few big hills.

While I do recommend a car on your Colonsay trip, be sure you’re comfortable driving on single track roads. You often share the road with sheep, cattle, cyclists, and pedestrians. While there are plenty of passing places, many tourists use these as stopping places – avoid doing this! Passing places are there for a reason.

Also, due to the high number of wildife and animals on Colonsay, don’t honk your horn! You’ll freak out the animals.

1.4.1 See the best things in Colonsay by foot

There are plenty of great walks to go on when in Colonsay. Unfortunately, I just didn’t have the time. However, there are several walks between 2 – 5 miles long that can be enjoyed. I mean, given that the entire island is 10 miles by 2 miles wide, you could walk everywhere if you wanted. While driving through the island, I definitely saw several people walking from place to place. With single track roads and a small island, its hard to miss the walkers!

So now that you can get around, here are the best things to do in Colonsay. Although I wasn’t able to do everything on the list below, I will next time!

2. The Best things to do in Colonsay

2.1 Enjoy a gorgeous beach at Kiloran Bay

Many people don’t realize that the Hebrides has some of the most stunning beaches in the world. Fine sandy beaches, with turquoise and blue waters. Many people liken them to beaches in the Caribbean, but geologically, the Hebridean beaches are older. So really, Caribbean beaches are actually like Hebridean beaches. Remember that next time you’re in Jamaica or the Bahamas. Ok, possibly the only dfference is the sunshine and warmth. The day I visited was sunny and .. not warm enough for a swim. But, it would have been perfect for a beach day with a picnic, enjoying the view.

Located in the northern part of Colonsay, surprise! It’s gorgeous.

2.2 Colonsay Gin tasting at Wild Thyme Distillery

Neighboring Islay has its whisky, and Colonsay has its gin. With two gin distilleries on the island, I chose to visit Wild Thyme Distillery, located in the middle of the island. Wild Thyme Distillery was started by Eileen and Finlay, who left life in Oxfordshire and moved to Colonsay. They distill a variety of spirits, primarily London Dry gin, as well as a vodka, a bramble (or blackberry for us Americans) liquer, and Cait Sith (an Old Tom style gin). For 10£, I took a tour of the wee distillery and tasted all of their gins on offer.

Like many small batch distilleries, Eileen and Finlay do everything themselves – from the distillation, to the bottling, and labeling. As tradition goes for gin distillers, their copper pot still has a name – she’s called Jinty.

Bottles of Colonsay Gin are so stunning, adorned with art nouveau-styled artwork of Alva, a mythical Celtic brownie (or spirit). Long ago, Alva’s Viking long boat crashed onto the rocky shores of Colonsay. She stumbled ashore and sought shelter at Tigh Na Uruisg (Wild Thyme Distillery HQ), where she still remains and helps in the magical transformation of botanicals into gin.

My thoughts on the tastings:

• Colonsay Gin – 47% ABV – two different ways – one with an orange garnish (to bring out the citrusy flavors), and one with a jalapeno pepper. The absolute wild thing to me, is that I actually liked it better with the pepper! I never would have guessed. It had such a spicy, fresh kick. I absolutely loved it.
• Cait Sith (pronounced Caught Shee) – 40% ABV – an old Tom-style gin. For those who don’t know, that means its sweeter than your London Dry gin. This one had a rich vanilla flavor and was delightfully sweet.
• Bramble Liquer – fruity and sweet, and much lighter at 20% ABV. Delicious!!

Overall, it was a really fun visit to a small batch gin distillery. Eileen gave a great tour, and I loved hearing about their passion for gin. I came back with a couple bottles of my favorite gins, as well as the gorgeous “gin”saw puzzle and a few coloring books for those stressful days.

For those absolute gin fans, the Gin Lovers Retreat at Wild Thyme Distillery is for you! A weekend of gin and home cooked meals on the island of Colonsay. Offered Friday to Sunday! I cannot wait to book a gin retreat sometime!

Wild Thyme Distillery
email: info@wildthymespirits.com
phone: +44 1951 200082
Website: https://www.wildthymespirits.com/

2.3 Eat a phenomenal meal at the Colonsay Pantry

If you had one meal on Colonsay, make sure it’s at the Colonsay Pantry! Located next to the ferry terminal in Scalasaig, it’s the perfect spots to grab a bite before setting sail. My ferry back to Islay left at 7:35 pm, which meant that I had time for dinner. And, Wednesday and Saturdays are seafood night at the Pantry! So for those coming for a day trip from Islay – get ready for seafood night! Email them in advance and book your seafood platter. Otherwise, you may not get it!

Awarded the Scotsman Food and Drink’s Hidden Gem in 2019, the Pantry is one of those great meals that I will always remember. The seafood platter, which cost a cool 35£ for 1 person, was remarkably fresh and so incredible, and is included on my list of Best Seafood in Scotland!

Contents of my gorgeous seafood platter:

• salad
• shrimp
• oysters
• hot smoked salmon
• smoked mussels
• scallops
• crab
• steamed mussels (not pictured)
• battered cod bites (also not pictured)

Let me just say, I was hungry and I scarfed this down in a matter of minutes! Is it too much food for one person? Um, I’d say it is the perfect portion for one person!

The Colonsay Pantry also have different themed nights. In addition to Wednesday & Saturday Seafood Nights, Monday & Friday is Steak Night. The Pantry is closed on Tuesdays, so plan in advance or be in a world of regret!

The Colonsay Pantry
Email: mail@thecolonsaypantry.co.uk – book your dinners (especially seafood night) in advance! and, when the weather is wet!
Phone: +44 1951 200325
Website: https://www.thecolonsaypantry.co.uk/

2.4 Walk to Oronsay

Tidal islands are not something I’m familiar with, being an American from a landlocked state. For those who know, tidal islands are islands created with the ebb and flow of the tides. That means, there are times where you can walk to the island (if the tide is low), and others where you cannot (because the tide has risen and now there’s water in between your two locations). Oronsay is one of those islands, located about 2 miles off the coast of Colonsay, connected by “the Big Strand beach.”

According to the Colonsay website,

You will find that the best time to cross is in the two days following a New Moon or a Full Moon; low-water will be in the early afternoon and you may be able to take 4 or 5 hours over the round trip

Isle of Colonsay website

Besides lots of birdwatching on Oronsay, the main site on the island is the Oronsay Priory, a monastery which has been in existence since at least 1353. The Oronsay Priory, which was likely founded by John of Islay, Lord of the Isles, continued as a monastery until the Scottish Reformation around 1560. While ruins of the priory still stands, a 4-meter (12 feet) tall high cross, likely dated to 1510, is still intact and in relatively good condition given its age. If you’ve read my Islay post, another example of a high cross (from 8th century AD) is the Kildalton Cross.

If you’re coming on a day trip, visiting Oronsay is possible, but it may be one of the few things you get to do. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to walk to Oronsay, being the wrong time of the month. But, I did make it down to the Big Strand for a walk along the beach.

2.5 Visit small businesses in Scalasaig

I didn’t get to spend too much time in Scalasaig, but if I did, here are some of the businesses I would definitely check out:

• Sea Pink Gallery – Colonsay and sea-themed gifts and household goods. Something to look out for – Sea Pink Gallery sells Pot Still Yarns, in collaboration with their friends at Colonsay Gin. (What does gin have to do with wool yarn?) The yarns are dyed with the “spent botanicals, the distilling ‘tails’ and the bramble husks left after pressing” to natural, botanic-dyed wool yarn!
• Colonsay Bookshop – bookstore stocking Hebridean history and culture;
• The Old Waiting Room Gallery – an arts and crafts shop selling handmade goods from the island;
• Wild Island Distillery – distillery producing Wild Island Gin. I haven’t tried this but I will!
• Colonsay Hotel – stay at the only hotel on the island or grab a bite to eat in their gastro pub! (located just outside of Scalasaig).

3. Things for a longer stay in Colonsay

If you have the chance to stay on Colonsay for longer, here are some other things for you to do.

• The Colonsay House Gardens and Tea Room are known throughout Scotland for its rhododendron garden. Although day trippers from Islay won’t be able to visit – this season, they’re only open on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Entry costs 3 GBP ($4.25 USD). I did have a poke around, and although I could see no rhododendron from the outside, there were beautiful fields of bluebells and wild garlic all around.
• Go golfing (18 holes) at Machrins – Share the golf course with people, cows, and sheep alike, and golf like they did in the old days!
• Watch some wildlife! I know I’ve shown you sheep across the island, but Colonsay is actually home to a large variety of seabirds. Grab your binoculars and go bird watching!
• Visit during some of their incredible festivals:
  • Ceol Cholasa, Colonsay’s Music Festival – September
  • Autumn Food and Drink Festival – October
  • Colonsay Book Festival – April

Check the latest Colonsay Times for the latest opening dates and times. Not all businesses are open every day!

4. Places to stay on Colonsay

If you’re planning to stay longer than a day trip, there are a few options for accommodation on the island.

• Colonsay Hotel – the only hotel on the island, located outside of Scalasaig;
• The Gin Lovers Retreat at Wild Thyme Distillery – full board, including gin tastings and cocktails;
• self catering accommodations;
• wild camping;
• your own campervan / motorhome.

Please note that if you are wild camping or taking your campervan, overnight parking permits are required. For more detailed information, the Visit Colonsay site has all the available options.

5. Parting thoughts on my day trip to Colonsay

I think you can see how much I enjoyed my day trip to Colonsay. For a small island, with a little over 100 inhabitants, it really packs a punch. Although a day trip from Islay was short, I felt like I accomplished a lot during that time! Still makes me want to go back for more though. I’ve highlighted some of the best things to do in Colonsay, including things I wasn’t able to do, just in case I’ve inspired you to visit and stay longer!

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Lannie

Lannie is a perpetual wanderer and loves to share her travel adventures and the food she eats along the way with everyone.  She works during the day while bouncing around the world and dreams about new places and faces at night!  She has a home on the magical Isle of Islay in Scotland, where the whisky flows freely and happily.

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