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Touring Scotland: Short breaks in Scotland

Itinerary IG-1: Gigha - an Island Escape from GBP 169 per person for 3nts

For a weekend or short break, few islands can offer the charm and sheer escapism of Gigha, and yet be so accessible. The journey from Glasgow is in itself a memorable part of the trip - and a personal favourite journey - with fabulous loch views as you pass Loch Lomond, then Loch Long, before reaching Loch Fyne and turning south towards the Kintyre peninsula, from where you take the short ferry crossing.

The Isle of Gigha

Known by the Vikings as ‘the Good Isle’ – and later as ‘God’s island’ – Gigha, the most southerly of the Hebrides, is a place of complete escape. As you cross the Sound of Gigha on the ferry from Tayinloan, you feel as though you are leaving behind far more than just your car. Walkers can take in stunning panoramic views from wildflower-strewn hillsides and cyclists will discover perfect picnic spots on tiny beaches of pure white sand. The island’s history makes fascinating reading – especially the recent community buy-out, ensuring Gigha’s future for islanders and visitors alike. The locals’ passion for their island is apparent as you quiz them on the ancient Bronze Age burial cairns, the spectacular banks of rhododendrons in Achamore Gardens (not to be missed!), the 13th century church of Kilchattan or the best place to watch the sun rise over Kintyre.

Your Hotel

Your comfortable and extremely welcoming hotel exudes Hebridean charm and, in its position a few minutes walk from the ferry terminal, is very much the social hub of this tiny island. A favourite haunt for locals, the bar features fascinating old photographs which give the visitor a flavour of the island’s history - the ideal place to enjoy a few drams of single malt and listen to tales of Gigha life which have been handed down through the generations. Practically every room in this comfortable and simple hotel offers stunning views, either of the island’s gently undulating landscape or over the wide sweep of Ardminish Bay, where colourful yachts and ferry boats ply back and forth to the Kintyre peninsula on the mainland. The lively dining room serves an array of local produce: keep an eye out for the halibut, which is farmed in the waters around the island.

Prices & dates

This holiday can be arranged from March to October 2010. 

The price is £169 per person for a holiday in March & April , £189 per person for May to September, and £179 per person for October based on 2 people sharing, for 3 nights on a bed & breakfast basis.

To make the most of your escape we also include 2 days' bicycle hire.
The price also includes a return ferry fare for car and 2 passengers to/from Gigha.

 All our holidays include a map of Scotland with recommended routes from your specified starting point, suggestions on places to see and visit depending on your personal interests and our expertise to help you get the most from your holiday.

All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.

The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee

All our holiday prices include a service charge of £8 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday.

We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.