Gigha Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

The journey to Gigha begins with a drive to Tayinloan on the Kintyre Peninsula, where CalMac operates regular ferry services to the island. From Glasgow, the drive to Tayinloan takes approximately 3 hours along the scenic A83 route. Travelers from Edinburgh can expect a journey of around 4 hours. Public transport options include buses from Glasgow to Tayinloan, though connections may be limited. The ferry terminal at Tayinloan offers free parking for visitors leaving vehicles on the mainland, and the short 20-minute ferry crossing provides stunning views of the Kintyre coastline and surrounding islands.

Nestled off Scotland's west coast, the Isle of Gigha offers a tranquil escape with pristine beaches, rolling hills, and crystal-clear waters. This compact island paradise, spanning just seven miles long and one mile wide, packs remarkable natural beauty and rich heritage into its modest footprint. As a ferry destination, Gigha provides the perfect blend of accessibility and seclusion, welcoming travelers to experience its unhurried pace and warm community spirit.

Gigha enjoys a relatively mild climate thanks to the Gulf Stream, making it possible to visit year-round. The summer months of June through August offer the warmest weather with temperatures averaging 15-18°C, perfect for exploring beaches and gardens. Spring (April-May) brings vibrant wildflowers and fewer visitors, creating an ideal atmosphere for peaceful exploration. The Gigha Music Festival in July draws music lovers from across Scotland, while the autumn months showcase beautiful golden colors across the landscape. Ferry services operate more frequently during summer, though winter visits (November-February) offer dramatic seascapes and cozy pub experiences for those seeking solitude.

Gigha serves as an excellent starting point for exploring Scotland's captivating island network. From here, travelers can connect to the larger Isle of Islay (known for its world-famous whisky distilleries) via Kennacraig, just a short drive from Tayinloan on the mainland. The magnificent Isle of Arran, often called 'Scotland in Miniature,' can be reached by combining ferry journeys through Ardrossan. Adventurous travelers might consider island-hopping to Jura with its impressive Paps mountains and sparse population. The ferry route between Gigha and the mainland offers spectacular views of the Kintyre Peninsula, immortalized in Paul McCartney's famous song 'Mull of Kintyre.'

Achamore Gardens stands as Gigha's crown jewel, featuring 54 acres of rare plants and stunning rhododendrons thriving in the island's mild climate. Beach enthusiasts will delight in the pristine white sands of Ardminish Bay and the secluded Twin Beaches on the island's western shore. For history buffs, the ancient standing stones and St. Catan's Chapel ruins offer glimpses into Gigha's 5,000-year human history. Culinary adventurers shouldn't miss sampling fresh seafood at The Boathouse restaurant, where locally caught fish and the island's own halibut farm produce feature prominently. The gentle terrain makes Gigha perfect for cycling, with bikes available to rent near the ferry terminal for exploring the island's single-track roads and hidden coves.

Gigha holds the distinction of being community-owned since 2002, when the island's residents collectively purchased their home in a historic buyout that transformed its fortunes. The name 'Gigha' (pronounced 'Gee-a') comes from the Norse word 'Gudey' meaning 'Good Isle' or 'God's Isle,' reflecting its fertile lands that have supported farming for centuries. The island boasts Scotland's oldest working ferry, the MV Loch Ranza, which has served the route since 1997 and carries approximately 30,000 passengers annually. Gigha's Achamore House gardens contain some of the oldest rhododendron species in Scotland, with specimens dating back to the 1920s.