Colonsay

Colonsay is a bit of a holiday island depending on tourism as well as farming - so many people I know seem to have rented a cottage there, or several different cottages over the years. And this is Waitrose not Asda man judging by the Volvos and BMWs lined up at the ferry terminal in Oban. Not too surprising given that the estate has 24 properties to rent (which seems a bit excessive for a local population of about 100). However, it is a lovely place with many sandy beaches, a good hotel (closed in winter), a brewery, a terrific book shop, a ruined abbey and lots of walks. There is an excellent folk music festival in September but you have to book early as places are limited (could be a bad time of the year for anchoring, so go by public transport if necessary - you could even try Highland Airways a scheduled air service from Oban with a fairly limited timetable). It is the land of the McPhees or Macfies or various other spellings of the same clan. From the east side of the island the Paps of Jura seem ever present - the light is fabulous which must explain why there are so many paintings of this view (indeed I have two).

There are not that many anchorages and the main one at Scalasaig is not that wonderful, but there is an alternative in the next bay to the south - Loch Staosnaig. Going clockwise:

Scalasaig

Loch Staosnaig

Oronsay, Caolas Mor

Port Mor

Kiloran Bay

Balnahard Bay