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An Comharradh

Island in Argyllshire

Scotland

An Comharradh

The summit of Beinn Oronsay A substantial and well-built cairn for a hill only 93m high. But Oronsay is a popular island to visit. It is tidal, and can be easily walked to from Colonsay except near low tide. There are the ruins of an Augustinian priory nearby. And the hill is low, and an easy walk! Just left of the cairn is Beinn Eibhne on the mainland of Colonsay.
The summit of Beinn Oronsay Credit: Michael Earnshaw

An Comharradh, also known as the Isle of Coll, is a small island located off the west coast of Scotland in Argyllshire. With a population of approximately 200 people, it covers an area of 13 square miles.

The island is predominantly flat, with sandy beaches and rocky shores. Its landscape is characterized by rolling hills and scattered lochs, creating a picturesque setting for visitors. The highest point on the island is Ben Hogh, standing at 314 meters.

An Comharradh has a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back thousands of years. The island is home to several ancient sites, including chambered cairns and standing stones, which provide fascinating insights into its past.

The island's main settlement is Arinagour, where the majority of the population resides. Here, visitors can find essential amenities such as accommodation, shops, and a post office. The community is known for its warm hospitality and strong sense of community.

An Comharradh is renowned for its diverse wildlife and is a designated Special Protection Area for its birdlife. Visitors can spot a variety of species, including sea eagles, puffins, and seals. The island also boasts stunning flora, with wildflowers and heather carpeting the landscape.

The island offers various outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and water sports. Visitors can explore the numerous walking trails that crisscross the island, taking in the breathtaking views and enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings.

Overall, An Comharradh is a charming and unspoiled island, perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat in a stunning natural setting.

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An Comharradh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.033253/-6.2609769 or Grid Reference NR3490. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The summit of Beinn Oronsay A substantial and well-built cairn for a hill only 93m high. But Oronsay is a popular island to visit. It is tidal, and can be easily walked to from Colonsay except near low tide. There are the ruins of an Augustinian priory nearby. And the hill is low, and an easy walk! Just left of the cairn is Beinn Eibhne on the mainland of Colonsay.
The summit of Beinn Oronsay
A substantial and well-built cairn for a hill only 93m high. But Oronsay is a popular island to visit. It is tidal, and can be easily walked to from Colonsay except near low tide. There are the ruins of an Augustinian priory nearby. And the hill is low, and an easy walk! Just left of the cairn is Beinn Eibhne on the mainland of Colonsay.
Oronsay scarecrow Oronsay is an RSPB reserve which is farmed to encourage an increase in the population of corncrakes
Oronsay scarecrow
Oronsay is an RSPB reserve which is farmed to encourage an increase in the population of corncrakes
Stabilised walls in Oronsay Priory
Stabilised walls in Oronsay Priory
Track to Oronsay Priory An excellent track connects the farmland of Oronsay with the tidal route across the Strand.
Track to Oronsay Priory
An excellent track connects the farmland of Oronsay with the tidal route across the Strand.
Descent to the Strand A straight evenly falling path back to sea level.
Descent to the Strand
A straight evenly falling path back to sea level.
Land Rover track by the Strand, Oronsay Having crossed the Strand, the track hugs the coast before heading inland.
Land Rover track by the Strand, Oronsay
Having crossed the Strand, the track hugs the coast before heading inland.
Track to Oronsay Farm and House From this angle Oronsay Priory is hidden behind the buildings. The field adjacent to the track is full of wildflowers for the corncrakes who were rather noisy!
Track to Oronsay Farm and House
From this angle Oronsay Priory is hidden behind the buildings. The field adjacent to the track is full of wildflowers for the corncrakes who were rather noisy!
Wildflower meadow, Oronsay Located in front of the rather fine Oronsay House. The meadows are designed to provide habitat for the corncrakes that are attracted to the area.
Wildflower meadow, Oronsay
Located in front of the rather fine Oronsay House. The meadows are designed to provide habitat for the corncrakes that are attracted to the area.
Tombstones at Oronsay Priory Eighteen years on since <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3096272">NR3488 : Tombstones at Oronsay Priory</a>. Spot the difference! One of the roofed buildings of Oronsay Priory contains an array of tombstones. Of the two raised off the floor one is reputed to be that of Sir Alexander Macdonald of Lochalsh, who died about 1498.
Tombstones at Oronsay Priory
Eighteen years on since NR3488 : Tombstones at Oronsay Priory. Spot the difference! One of the roofed buildings of Oronsay Priory contains an array of tombstones. Of the two raised off the floor one is reputed to be that of Sir Alexander Macdonald of Lochalsh, who died about 1498.
Oronsay Priory and Farm The priory is a Scheduled Monument (see <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/SM287" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/SM287">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> ). Comparison with <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4403124">NR3488 : Oronsay Priory</a> shows that many of the farm buildings have been renovated since 1974. Islay is on the horizon on the left.
Oronsay Priory and Farm
The priory is a Scheduled Monument (see LinkExternal link ). Comparison with NR3488 : Oronsay Priory shows that many of the farm buildings have been renovated since 1974. Islay is on the horizon on the left.
Cross at Oronsay Priory
Cross at Oronsay Priory
Entrance to Oronsay Priory and Farm
Entrance to Oronsay Priory and Farm
Road on Oronsay
Road on Oronsay
Road to Oronsay Priory
Road to Oronsay Priory
The Colonsay to Oronsay Road
The Colonsay to Oronsay Road
The Oronsay road Clear track through the seaweed on the Oronsay side of the Strand. Most vehicles [of which there are very few] seem to take the alternative route to the right.
The Oronsay road
Clear track through the seaweed on the Oronsay side of the Strand. Most vehicles [of which there are very few] seem to take the alternative route to the right.
On firm ground Hard surfaced track on Oronsay, looking back towards the tidal sands and Colonsay.
On firm ground
Hard surfaced track on Oronsay, looking back towards the tidal sands and Colonsay.
Oronsay - the north side Rough grassland sloping gently down to the tidal channel separating Oronsay from Colonsay. The Ardkenish peninsula beyond.
Oronsay - the north side
Rough grassland sloping gently down to the tidal channel separating Oronsay from Colonsay. The Ardkenish peninsula beyond.
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An Comharradh is located at Grid Ref: NR3490 (Lat: 56.033253, Lng: -6.2609769)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire

What 3 Words

///slimmer.panic.unlimited. Near Scalasaig, Argyll & Bute

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An Comharradh Sgeirean Fada

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