Things you didn't know about... the Isle of Colonsay

The Isle of Colonsay has a semi-detached neighbour
Oronsay, a much smaller island to the south, is linked by a tidal causeway known as "the Strand". There is a window of about three hours in which to cross this isthmus.

The Isle of Colonsay: plant heaven
Over 40 per cent of all plants found in Britain can be found within the Isle of Colonsay's 12 square miles. Gardens thrive in the mild climate, and Colonsay House woodland gardens and formal garden contain a vast collection of rhododendrons, magnolias and exotics from the southern hemisphere and the sub-tropics.

The Isle of Colonsay: not far enough from Ireland for some
St Columba landed here after he sailed into exile from Ireland, but when he discovered that his homeland was still visible from the hills here he decided to go on, eventually settling on Iona.

The Isle of Colonsay gave Vikings a good send-off
At least 10 Viking burial sites have been discovered here. These burials usually involved the laying of the dead in their boat, which was then burned and stones and earth piled on the remains. The boat was to carry the dead to Valhalla. The most significant burial site, in Kiloran Bay, is—uniquely—thought to show signs of a possible Christian influence.

The Isle of Colonsay has a hanging rock
Not an unusual rock formation—a rock jutting from a precipice in the south of the island was used as an execution site, threading the noose through a hole in the projecting rock.

Life's a beach on the Isle of Colonsay
West-facing Kiloran Bay is a mile of sheltered white sand, with a sea shelf providing perfect waves for surfing.

The Isle of Colonsay has a sister in Canada
The village of Colonsay in Saskatchewan, is thought to take its name from the island. The village mostly exists to operate a potash mine.

The Isle of Colonsay has long been artistic
In the ruins of Riasg Buidhe a ninth-century carved cross was discovered with the head of Christ on the top, and a fish tail at the bottom. Believed to derive from an eastern Mediterranean design, it's now on view by the Tobar Oran holy well in Colonsay House Gardens.