Spring is a brilliant time of year to explore Argyll, with longer days, warmer weather and wildlife galore. The beautiful Hebridean islands of Islay, Jura and Colonsay play host to a number of festivals, all celebrating the arrival of spring. These events are a great way to discover the islands’ rich heritage, cultures, wildlife, food and drink. You’ll also meet like-minded people – both visitors and locals – and have a lot of fun!
Islay, Jura and Colonsay offer a glimpse of paradise, especially in the spring. From their achingly beautiful beaches to an array of bird and plant life, this trio of islands offers so much to see and do. Islay is famed for its single malt whiskies, birdlife and miles of sandy beaches. Neighbouring Jura couldn’t be more different. Mountainous, wild and sparsely populated, the island has a rugged and remote appeal. Tiny Colonsay is a gem of an island with incredible nature and wildlife watching opportunities. Whether you want to want to enjoy a springtime walk in the woods, go on a foraging adventure or delve deeper into history, make sure you don’t miss these spring festivals on the islands of Islay, Jura and Colonsay.
The spring festival fun starts this week with the Walk Islay Festival (8th – 13th April 2018), a week of walking on Islay, Jura and Colonsay. There are eight walks to choose from, including rambles through RSPB reserves to a trek over the famous Paps of Jura. Walks vary from easy to challenging and take in the beautiful island scenery, from beaches and lochs to mountains and moors. Wildlife abounds in all corners with a chance to spot eagles, otters, deer, goats and chough. You'll also discover Islay’s history. On one walk you can explore prehistoric and early Christian sites between Port Ellen and Lagavulin. Those looking for a challenge will love the walk to Sgorr nam Faoileann and Glas Bheinn – the rarely visited eastern peaks of Islay.
Colonsay Book Festival (28th to 29th April 2018) may be one of the smallest (and certainly the most remote!) book festivals in Britain, but it attracts some of the biggest names in Scotland. This year Bella Bathurst, Ann Cleeves, Janice Galloway, John Glenday, A L Kennedy and Malachy Tallack are all booked to take part. When you’re not meeting authors and listening to readings, take the opportunity to explore this beautiful island. It’s simply stunning at this time of year. Book your weekend pass (£50) online.
After two days on the beautiful island of Colonsay, you might find you want to stay a bit longer. So extend your holiday and enjoy Colonsay SpringFest (30th April to 20th May). This three-week festival of events and activities celebrating spring on Colonsay is a cracker. Lots of local people get involved, with the island’s artists, wild-food experts, plant enthusiasts, historians and archaeologists leading workshops and walks. Visit the the RSPB reserve on Oronsay, forage for seaweed, visit some of the less well-known areas of Colonsay and delve deep into the island’s history. There are opportunities to learn a new skill, with workshops on tapestry, bookbinding, printing, mosaic making, basketry and more. Take a look at the Colonsay SpringFest 2018 programme.
And finally, during the last week of May, Islay welcomes visitors from across the world for a week-long celebration of the island's unique culture, music and world-renowned single malt whiskies. The Islay Festival of Music & Malt (Fèis Ìle) (26th May to 2nd June 2018) is cracking fun. From the ‘First Fling’ ceilidh on opening night to the ‘Final Fling’ Ceilidh on closing night, the week is full of traditional music, piping, Gaelic singing, ceilidhs, children’s shows, guided walks and outdoor activities. Discover the peaty delights from the distilleries of Islay and neighbouring Isle of Jura. Each whisky distillery holds its own open day with special events and activities.
Find out more about events in Argyll & The Isles.