Gigha (Gaelic: Giogha) is a small island 3 miles off the west coast of Argyll in Scotland. The name is probably from Norse Guðey, “god’s island” or “good island”. It’s about 6 miles long north-south by 1½ miles wide. The main attraction is Achamore Gardens.
- Prehistoric remains: there are several standing stones, cairns and duns on the island. The most striking is the Ogham stone near Kilchattan. It’s badly weathered and the inscription can’t be deciphered.
- Achamore House & Gardens. The house, a venerable mansion which has been run as a B&B, is closed and for sale as of June 2019. However in summer you can still see the gardens, open daily 08:00-18:00. The mild climate allows species from Australia, New Zealand and the Andes to thrive here.
- Wildlife includes guillemot and eider. Lots of other ducks, grouse and pheasant, but seldom geese. Gigha lacks many mainland mammals, such as deer, weasels or hares, a bonus for the nesting birds.
- Ireland! Climb the highest hill Creag Bhàn (100 m) on a clear day, and Rathlin Island and the hills of Ulster can be seen to the southwest.
Other small, uninhabited islands close to Gigha are Gigalum then Cara to the south, and Craro to the west. Islay and Jura are prominent to the west.
Prehistoric remains: there are several standing stones, cairns and duns on the island. The most striking is the Ogham stone near Kilchattan. It’s badly weathered and the inscription can’t be deciphered.
Achamore House & Gardens. The house, a venerable mansion which has been run as a B&B, is closed and for sale as of June 2019. However in summer you can still see the gardens, open daily 08:00-18:00. The mild climate allows species from Australia, New Zealand and the Andes to thrive here.
Wildlife includes guillemot and eider. Lots of other ducks, grouse and pheasant, but seldom geese. Gigha lacks many mainland mammals, such as deer, weasels or hares, a bonus for the nesting birds.
Ireland! Climb the highest hill Creag Bhàn (100 m) on a clear day, and Rathlin Island and the hills of Ulster can be seen to the southwest.
Other small, uninhabited islands close to Gigha are Gigalum then Cara to the south, and Craro to the west. Islay and Jura are prominent to the west.
- Ardminish Stores, PA41 7AA. Licensed grocers with petrol pumps and bike hire.
Ardminish Stores, PA41 7AA. Licensed grocers with petrol pumps and bike hire.
- Boathouse Restaurant, +44 1583 505123. Mar - Sep only. Restaurant specialising in local seafood. Also runs adjacent campsite.
Boathouse Restaurant, +44 1583 505123. Mar - Sep only. Restaurant specialising in local seafood. Also runs adjacent campsite.
Back to the mainland it must be.