Colonsay is the land of the McPhees or of the Macfies or of the various other spellings of the same clan name. From the east side of the island, the Paps of Jura seem ever present, and the light is fabulous which must explain why there are so many paintings of this view (indeed I have two). In 2022 the island had a population of about 130, but there were fewer than 30 people under the age of 50, and only four children in the primary school. The local community are doing all they can to reverse the declining population. Colonsay is very much a holiday destination depending on tourism (and farming). Here we are talking Waitrose — not Lidl –man judging by the over-large SUVs and BMWs lined up at the ferry terminal in Oban (many people I know have rented a cottage here, including me, and even several different cottages over the years). This is not too surprising given that the estate has about 15 properties to rent which seems a bit excessive for the size of the local population, and in stark contrast to only nine social housing units and the dire lack of affordable housing (but new houses are being built near the hotel, and there are vacant building plots). However, it is a lovely island with many sandy beaches, a hotel (closed in winter), a bookshop still I think, a ruined priory, and lots of walks. There are not that many anchorages and the main one at Scalasaig is not that wonderful, but there is a good alternative in the next bay to the south — Loch Staosnaig. There is a folk music festival in September but you have to book early as places are limited — it could be a bad time of year for sailing, so go by ferry if necessary. You could even try Hebridean Air Services which has scheduled flights from Oban, albeit with a very limited timetable, and there are scenic flights too. Amazingly, there is a book festival, in April. Finally, if you want to hire a bike, contact Colonsay Bike and Board Hire (ph 07970 673942).