Episode 9: ‘Between the Tides’ – Oransay (Isle of Colonsay)
Can you imagine walking to an island across the sea? This episode of Wild for Scotland takes you on an unconventional island hopping journey from the Isle of Colonsay to Oransay.
‘Between the Tides’ is a story about one of my favourite island experiences ever: the walk from Colonsay across a tidal causeway to the small island Oransay (or Oronsay – both spellings are common).
Home to a plethora of wildlife, dotted with historic sites and lined with breathtaking beaches, the island is worth the effort it requires to get there.
The origin of the name Oransay isn’t quite clear. Some believe it was named after for the Irish missionary St Oran, who landed here in the 6th century. Others link the name to the Old Norse word for “island of the low tide”. I’ll let you make up your own mind after listening to this story!
But the walk to Oransay isn’t the only highlight of a trip to Colonsay – as always, I include my top 5 tips at the end of the show.
Now, let’s travel to Scotland!
References & Helpful Links
Check this site for information on tides and how to figure out when it’s safe to walk to Oransay.
Find out more about things to do on Islay, Jura and Colonsay in my Scottish island guide.
Book a stay at the Gin Lover’s Retreat
Hire bikes at Colonsay Bike and Board Hire
Stay at the Colonsay Hotel
Join the locals on their weekly beach cleans
Read more about the birds and wildlife on Oransay
Credits
Written, hosted and produced by Kathi Kamleitner. Additional support by Fran Turauskis.
Cover Art illustrated by Lizzie Vaughan-Knight. Musik by Bruce Wallace.
Additional sound effects from Zapsplat, Pond5 and SoundBoard.
All photographs by Kathi Kamleitner.
Season 1: Islands
The first season of Wild for Scotland is all about the Scottish isles. Each week, we travel to a different island and spend some time exploring their nooks and crannies, history and landscapes.
Images from Colonsay and Oransay
Arriving to Colonsay by ferry Arriving to Colonsay by ferry The ferry pier at Scalasaig on Colonsay
Walking across the sea to Oransay
Kelp on the rocks at low tide Rockpools and exposed sea grass at low tide Walking on wet sand across to Oransay
Oransay Priory
The High Cross at Oransay Priory The colonnade at at Oransay Priory The sign that made my day
The memorial in honour of Ike Colburn The beach near Oransay Priory A white bothy by the beach
Hidden treasures on the beach Dramatic scenes over Islay and Jura
Walking back to Colonsay
Kiloran Bay on Colonsay The ferry pier of Colonsay Relaxing at Balnahard Bay A shag sunbathing at Balnahard Bay Balnahard Bay on Colonsay
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