by P Vandegrift

Created on: December 12, 2006   Last Updated: April 17, 2007

The Isle of Gigha on the West Coast of Scotland

The charming, unassuming, island of Gigha is a rare treat for anyone interested in experiencing a bit of Scottish Island life without the long ferry journey. Looking at the island from Tayinloan (where the ferry departs to Gigha), on the west side of the Kintyre Peninsula, the eyes gently sweep across its outline admiring the dark green bunches of trees and the slivers of pale sandy beaches. It is a small island, small enough to nestle right into your heart from the moment you board the ferry. The journey across only takes twenty minutes, sometimes longer if the weather is not calm. But in the summer it is not uncommon to look over the side and see a few dolphins and seals keeping you company along the way. The color of the water entrances you; it can change from a clear Hebridean blue to a pea-green and then to a stormy gray within moments. From the top of the ferry, the Paps of Jura and Islay appear to rise up just behind Gigha, and one could entertain the notion that they are keeping watch over it, like proud parents! A half a day spent here and you will be surprised by its quiet beauty and endearing charms. A good time on Gigha stays in your heart forever. So do the sunsets. And if you time it just right and take a midnight stroll under a full moon, seeing all of the fields cast in a silver glaze is more than breathtaking.

*Anyone on the ferry can tell you about Gigha and they are more than happy to point you towards areas of interest and ancient history. It is an island associated with the Vikings and you will find several burial grounds dotted around the fields. There are also visible Bronze Age ramparts, and an Ogham monolith for those interested in that ancient alphabet. The delicate remains of Kilchatten Church are nestled just above the Gigha Village Hall and on a clear day, the views from this spot cause the heart to skip a beat. There are also many cupped and standing stones next to the road and in other fields that also deserve your attention!

*The Achamore Gardens draw thousands of people each year. The colors are enchanting and it is easy to spend the entire day wandering between the Rhododendrons and exotic foliage. While walking through here one day I truly felt like I was Alice in Wonderland!

*The Hotel offers Bed & Breakfast and also Dinner, Bed & Breakfast for a fair price. If you fancy cooking for yourselves there are many self-catering cottages for rent. The hotel pub is highly recommended for

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