Holiday Highlights of Colonsay

Winter in Colonsay

There are still quite a few vacancies for the very early months of 2012, but there are signs that people are booking early for the main season. Of course "he would say that..." but it is actually the case, as can be seen by a brief trawl through the availability charts.

There is a lot going on in 2012, and details of SpringFest appear below. In addition, we will be hosting our first Book Festival 27 - 29 April, subtitled "Conversations at the Edge". There is an amazing line-up which will be posted here quite soon - there seems to be information on Twitter already.

But, all this is in the future - meanwhile we have winter to enjoy! Amazingly, it can be very stimulating to be here in a storm although the weather in January is proving surprisingly mild. There is a report on local weather, updated weekly.

There is no bracken in winter and Kilmartin House Museum are conducting an archaeological survey which has already located numerous "new" sites of interest - you are welcome to assist, so do get in touch to learn of the next scheduled visit.

Come and enjoy the starry skies, free of light pollution; or come to write your long-planned novel. Then again, as long as we have rabbits, it might be a good place to ride out the recession that we hear is threatening mainland Britain....

Springtime in Colonsay 2012

Once again, we have an extraordinary treat in store - the Colonsay Festival of Spring 2012. The programme is quite outstanding and is on a rolling-basis, so you can come for a day or come for a fortnight, whatever happens you will not be disappointed. Please see the latest programme here.

IN FACT : this is also the time to book for any other dates in 2012; special events include not just the 3 weeks of Colonsay Festival of Spring, but also the Music Festival in the autumn. A glance at availability charts will show that a lot of tentative reservations are already in place.

*****

There are now 25 self-catering properties in Colonsay which will be found on this site - full details appear on our availability page; in addition there is an excellent hotel and there are three guesthouses. Nobody can take anything for granted at present, but signs for 2012 are encouraging and you really would be well-advised to book accommodation just as soon as you can, especially if you intend to enjoy the second and equally magnificent Festival of Spring.

ACCESS

The full summer service of ferries operates without change from 25 March 2011. The winter service operates every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. All details.

Our air-service permits ready access for short breaks, with flights twice daily on both Tuesday and Thursday and one-way flights on Saturday and Sunday. Exact details are given elsewhere - the cost from Oban (Connel) is usually little more than £65 (book ahead for best deal), and the 25 minute flight is absolutely magnificent. There are only 10 seats, including the pilot, so you are guaranteed a window seat. Please note that you can book online and by telephone - here in Colonsay visitors can book online at the bookshop or via any friendly PC.

Check availability for self-catering, or for guesthouse accommodation.

See what Bargain Breaks are on offer.

INSURANCE: Every year, people find that they are forced to change their plans. A new job, illness, transfer overseas, flat tyre, pregnancy - the potential causes are legion. Please do not imagine that the owner of your holiday accommodation can carry your burthen - if you have booked, you have a contract and must bear the consequences. You do NOT have to have insurance, but if you choose to take the risk, please do not embarrass everyone by trying to play upon the "good nature" of your host. He or she has bills to pay and obligations to meet - he or she cannot take out insurance, but you can. If you choose to take the risk and it goes wrong, remember that it was your choice - nobody forced you - and pay up promptly and with good grace.