Colonsay Book Festival 2018
One of the best of all Book Festivals, because the audience size is only about 200 and there is a friendliness about the event which has attracted headline authors of international standing.
Visit Event SiteEvents On Colonsay
The range of island events is quite remarkable. There are some major dates in our annual calendar, such as the Book Festival, The Festival of Spring, The Music Festival and the Autumn Food and Drink Festival, and these are supplemented by Clay Pigeon Shoots, the Rugby Festival and the Colonsay International Golf Open. There are, however, very many other events, such as the weekly football match, Colonsay vs. The Rest of the World, an annual cricket match, a Sunday Golf Competition, the Sports Day, Community Garden Party and frequent ceilidhs. Whenever you are here, there is likely to be something going on - even if it is only the sheep-shearing competition. A summary is posted here, but please check for full details on the Welcome to Colonsay notice board near the pier.
Annual Events
Festival of Spring 2018
This runs for three weeks every year in May and boasts a fantastic and eclectic mix of nature, art, foraging, craft and heritage. With such a huge variety of events on offer there really is something for everyone. Maybe try Dry Stone walling, Bookbinding, Fern Appreciation walks, Historical walks, Ornithological walks, Foraging or workshops in Printing, Basketry or Textiles, to name but a few.
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The Rugby Festival
This will be the sixth annual Rugby Festival, attracting Men's 10s and Women's 7s from all over Scotland. Full details on the website, including contact details for other teams wishing to join the tournament for 2018.
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Colonsay International Open
On the third Saturday of August (with Sunday in reserve), this challenging and entertaining annual competition has been running for 25 years or more.
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Ceol Cholasa 2018
Ceol Cholasa, Colonsay's Music Festival, has established an unique position in the Scottish traditional festival scene. With past performers creating a Who's Who of the best in Scottish music, 2017 sees a 10 year celebration with Karine Polwart and the Elephant Sessions topping a bumper bill.
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Autumn Food & Drink Festival 2018
In 2017 we welcomed Mary Contini, Edinburgh cookery writer and TV presenter, Charlie McLean, expert on whisky, Geraldine Coates, author of the definitive guide to enjoying gin, Fiona Misselbrook, highly regarded cookery teacher plus Fiona Houston who forages for seaweed and holds seaweed tastings. 2018 promises even more......
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Kids' DVD night at The Colonsay
A very popular night for the children, with maybe a chance for the adults to relax for a while and enjoy supper together.
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Fish Night at The Pantry
Every Wednesday throughout the summer The Pantry offers a special Fish Menu, based upon whatever is best and available that week. Booking is advisable.
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Quiz Night at the Pub
The Colonsay Quiz has been running for many years and is very popular. No need to book, just come and enjoy this convivial (and somewhat competitive) event.
Church Services
Adults and families of all denominations are very welcome at the weekly service, held in the Parish Church at Scalasaig. Please note that the church is ALWAYS open.
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Marine Litter Hunt
We work right along the 50 miles of coastline every year. We also monitor all roadsides, paths and lochsides... and we hope you will do the same. Please feel free to join the weekly foray. See noticeboard or call 01951 200320 for meeting place.
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Colonsay Golf Competition
This is a friendly round of golf each Sunday (weather permitting), all very informal. Look for latest detail on the Visitor Noticeboard or contact a local member.
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Ceilidhs
During the summer and other school holidays, there are weekly ceilidhs in the Village Hall. A great evening for all the family with dancing, music and games. See the noticeboards in the shop, Old Waiting Room gallery and hotel for details.