The tiny, beautiful Island of Gigha in the Southern Hebrides
has a long history, having been inhabited continuously since prehistoric times.
Step ashore on the Isle of Gigha from
the sea and you are following in the tracks of the people who settled from
Ireland, the Vikings who plundered from distant Scandinavia and of the Norse
King Hakon. Gigha may have had an
important role during the Kingdom of Dalriada and is the ancestral home of
Clan MacNeill. The Island is now
community-owned with a population of 150 residents.
Gigha was attractive to settlers because of
its fertile soil. It is the most
southerly of the Hebridean Islands and one of the most beautiful . Seven miles
long by a mile and a half wide, Gigha is three miles west of the Kintyre
Peninsula, separated by the Sound of Gigha.
The environment is breathtaking with sandy beaches, clear green seas and
is a haven for birdlife.
There are fabulous views of neighbouring
islands to the west and the Kintyre mainland from the east of the island. Because it is set on the eastern shores of
the Atlantic Ocean, Gigha attracts a wide variety of sea birds which breed on
Eilean Garbh, a small tidal island in the North. Gigha's unique microclimate allows the
growing of tender plants from around the world, including an impressive
collection of Rhododendron species. Achamore gardens covers 50 acres and is central
to the life of the island.
The ancient history of Gigha is filled with
turbulent times and legendary tales. It can still be felt at various archeological
sites throughout the island. Kilchattan
chapel, dating from the 13th century is near the entrance to Achamore
Gardens .
Gigha is a popular stopover on our first cruise of the season, Mull of Kintyre and the Inner Hebrides, now only 3 cabins
remaining for 2015. It is also on the
itinerary of The Heritage and Wildlife of the Southern Hebrides, with one cabin
for 2015 remaining on May 2nd.
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