Small Isles (Eigg)

Scottish Island Adventures - Eigg - with hosts Coinneach Macleod, the Hebridean Baker, singer-songwriter Natalie Galloway, and guest Ian Stephen.

Eigg and the Small Isles

Sitting between the Outer Hebrides and the Scottish mainland, the Small Isles are made up of Eigg, Rum, Canna and Muck and are accessible by CalMac ferry from Mallaig. Eigg has a population of 110 people and has been community owned since 1997. The entire island is powered by a 100% renewable electricity grid.

Eigg Organics

Eigg Organics is a project championing sustainable living. Visitors can experience stunning views from tranquil surroundings with a stripped-back stay close to nature in a bothy, cabin or campsite, and learn about organic farming at one of the projects gardening courses.

Eigg Brewery

The Isle of Eigg Brewery uses locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices to produce small batch craft beers. A visit to Eigg Brewery is a great way to experience the ethos of the community on Eigg seen through its beer brewing process.

Eigg Guiding

Operating out of a huge green shed next to Eigg’s community shop, Eigg Guiding offers carbon neutral, low-impact adventure activities for locals and visitors alike. Have a splash at paddle boarding or explore underwater kelp forests snorkeling with the help of qualified guides.

Thank you for listening to the Caledonian MacBrayne podcast. To find out more about Scotland’s west coast islands and all topics discussed on this episode, visit the CalMac website.

Cumbrae

The island of Cumbrae, also known as Great Cumbrae, is Scotland’s most accessible island. An 8 minute ferry journey from Largs, it has been inhabited since the end of the last ice age, but became popular during the 20th century thanks to the Clyde paddle steamers. The main settlement on Cumbrae is the Victorian seaside town of Millport. Countless visitors take day trips from the mainland to “cycle roond Millport!” 

Field Studies Council

Field Studies Council Millport has a storied history as a marine research station. Now a thriving field centre, it offers accommodation and teaching spaces, making it an excellent base for environmental education and fieldwork. Visitors can head out on the research vessel Actinia to collect scientific samples or go wildlife watching, spotting dolphins, seals, and other marine life. The centre is part of Field Studies Council, a UK charity dedicated to delivering nature courses and environmental education across its 16 centres

Millport Golf Club

Millport Golf Club is a diverse golf course stretched across the heathland on the highest point of the Island. Founded in 1888, each hole of the club’s course has its own unique name - a nod to its long history. The course has views across the Firth of Clyde, down to Ailsa Craig and over to Bute and the looming skyline of Goatfell on Arran.

Thank you for listening to the Caledonian MacBrayne podcast. To find out more about Scotland’s west coast islands and all topics discussed on this episode, visit the CalMac website.

Colonsay

Colonsay is an island in the Inner Hebrides located north of Islay and south of Mull. It is accessible by CalMac ferry from both Islay and Oban! Colonsay is connected to a smaller island, Oronsay, on its southern end by a tidal causeway and is a rugged island where the low-lying dune grassland known as Machair produces an array of native wildflowers such as heather and wild thyme and acts as a haven for birds and insects.

Colonsay Wool Growers

At the very top of Colonsay lies Balnahard Farm, the home of Colonsay Wool Growers. The farm has been in the same family for generations and currently boasts over 400 locally reared wool sheep of varying Hebridean cross-breeds. The sheared wool is dyed naturally with native flora such as bog myrtle, nettle and moss to produce yarns, knitting kits, and limited edition knitwear.

Colonsay Gin

Colonsay Gin began in 2016 when husband and wife duo Finlay and Eileen Geekie traded the busy life of Oxfordshire for a fresh start on Colonsay. Inspired by Celtic folklore and a love of true juniper gin, they launched Colonsay Gin. Today, their gin is a nod to the wild beauty of the island and the business contributes to the island’s sustainability and future development - drawing in visitors for tours and tasting.

Colonsay Black Bees

Colonsay and Oronsay have a long history of traditional honey use and bee-keeping. The continued practice of native bee-keeping in small isolated pockets helps to protect and sustain the dwindling Black Bee population under threat from imported non-native honey bees, and the changing climate. The other result of the practice happens to be fragrant honey that contains all the notes of the diverse island flora providing pollen for the bees.

Thank you for listening to the Caledonian MacBrayne podcast. To find out more about Scotland’s west coast islands and all topics discussed on this episode, visit the CalMac website.

In this special, festive edition of Scottish Island Adventures, Coinneach MacLeod - The Hebridean Baker - takes us on a magical winter journey across the isle of Arran, uncovering what makes the Scottish islands so magical when the summer season ends and the temperature drops. We start off our hygge journey at Stonesthrow Sauna where Coinneach goes from 100 degree heat to freezing water in the shadow of the Holy Isle, before stopping for lunch at Cafe Thyme, a legendary local eatery with a Turkish flair. From there he catches up with local crocheter Lou from Gleann Co. before stopping in for a wee dram to coorie in with Graham from Lagg Distillery.

Thank you for listening to the Caledonian MacBrayne podcast. You can find out more about Scotland's west coast destinations and all the topics discussed in this episode at calmac.co.uk/podcast

In this special episode of Scottish Island Adventures, Natalie Galloway - NATI - takes us to the Eilean Dorcha Festival (EDF) on Benbecula! She meets Christina from Croft & Cuan, the incomparable Ruairidh Gray, Arabella Manchester and her band, Cammy Barnes, the lovely folks from North Uist Distillery, Stevie Jukes from Saint Phnx, as well as loads of revellers and volunteers who are all set to enjoy a spectacular weekend in the Outer Hebrides. 

Then it's back to the studio where Nati and co-host Coinneach MacLeod - the Hebridean Baker - are joined by The Laurettes to talk about the magic of playing festivals on the Scottish islands!

Thank you for listening to the Caledonian MacBrayne podcast. You can find out more about Scotland's west coast destinations and all the topics discussed in this episode at calmac.co.uk/podcast

In this special episode Nati takes you to Lochmaddy in North Uist to discover some fragments of the fascinating history of Caledonian MacBrayne which goes all the way back to 1851. Back in the studio Coinneach and Nati have a special guest. We hear from;

Mary Morrison (Port Manager at Lochmaddy)

John MacDonald (Owner of the exhibition artefacts and calmac employee and enthusiast)

Norman MacLeod (Operations Manager at Taigh Chearsabhagh and Curator of the exhibition)

Iain Quinn (Volunteers on the world's last remaining sea-faring paddle-steamer, The Waverley)

Thank you for listening to the Caledonian MacBrayne podcast. You can find out more about Scotland's west coast destinations and all topics discussed in this episode at calmac.co.uk/podcast

Over 130 years since the first ever Royal National Mòd, in this special episode Coinneach takes you into the heart of the Mòd as it takes place in its birthplace, Oban, in 2024. Diving into competitions and in conversation with some of the biggest names around town, we hear from;

Innes MacQueen (Local organiser)

James Graham (Chief exec. of An Comunn Gàidhealach)

Emma 'Scalpay' MacLeod (singer)

John Joe Macneil (Barra choir conductor, singer, composer and head of Ceolas)

Mary Ann Kennedy (Musician, Broadcaster and Co-curator of Jessie MacLachlan exhibition)

Cynthian Knight (Singer and New York mod winner)

Joy Dunlop (Broadcaster and singer)

Alice MacMillan and Ryan Johnston (Gold medal winners 2024)

Cathy MacDonald (Broadcaster)

Thank you for listening to the Caledonian MacBrayne podcast. You can find out more about Scotland's west coast destinations and all topics discussed in this episode at calmac.co.uk/podcast

SCOTTISH ISLAND ADVENTURES: ARRAN

GUEST: KIRSTY WARK

Arran

Just off the west-coast, Arran is one of Scotland’s most accessible islands. Its location makes it ideal for a day-trip, mini-break, or extended stay and whether you want to roam the island’s natural landscapes or browse the boutique shops, there is such a wide array of visitor attractions that you certainly won’t get bored quickly! 

Otter’s Tail

Before you set off on your own island adventure, consider using Otter’s Tail who will make sure you’re kitted out with the right equipment and an experienced guide to help you make the most of the island. They offer three different packages including sea-kayaking, hill-walking, and gorge-walking, so whatever side of the Arran you’re into, Otter’s Tail have got you covered. 

Arran Dairies

Arran Dairies are the farmers behind the award-winning Arran Ice Cream, whose sensational flavours are made with milk straight from the farm’s own cattle herd. Products from Arran Dairies are high-quality and well worth a taste. 

Brodick Castle

Owned and looked after by the National Trust for Scotland, Brodick Castle is the perfect family day out. Have a look round the castle full of fascinating artefacts from paintings and period furniture to sporting trophies and learn about the castle’s old inhabitants from the 16th century onwards. Alternatively you can explore Britain’s only island country park complete with fairy trails, immaculate gardens, and cascading waterfalls.

Thank you for listening to the Caledonian MacBrayne podcast. You can find out more about Scotland’s west coast islands and all topics discussed on this episode at calmac.co.uk/podcast

Barra, Vatersay, & Eriskay

As you approach Castlebay with the wonderful Kisimul Castle keeping watch, you’ll soon realise that a trip to these islands is a trip into the very heart of Scotland’s natural beauty. Long stretches of coastline evoke a rich sense of solitude making a visit to one (or all three) of the islands an ideal way to escape the commotion of city-living. Packed with vibrant history, outdoor activities, and delicious things to eat and drink, Barra, Vatersay, & Eriskay have it all going on despite their modest size.  

Vatersay - The Hebridean Way

The Hebridean Way officially opened in 2017 and spans 10 islands, 6 causeways, and 2 ferries. It is a magnificent walking and cycling route which takes you all the way from Vatersay, the southernmost inhabited island of the Hebrides all the way up to the Butt of Lewis. Those who undertake it traverse over Atlantic coastlines, rugged hills, and sweeping sandy beaches with plenty of ‘Pit Stops’ (official businesses partnered with the Hebridean Way) to help you rest and recover along the way. 

Barra Bike Hire 

Like many island enterprises, Barra Bike Hire is a small, family run business. It was originally set up in 2013 / 2014 when the family invested in half a dozen hire bikes to provide for guests staying in their self-catering apartment and self-catering holiday let 'across the road'. In those days the availability of hire bikes on the island was patchy at best. Since then they have invested significantly in a fleet of bicycles and they now have a varied and diverse range of bikes to cater for most needs. 

Barra - Honesty Boxes 

Visit any small community and you will undoubtedly notice an honesty box, or five. Usually filled with fresh goods such as fruits & vegetables, cakes, and eggs, honesty boxes rely on the goodwill of passers by and are a lovely way to experience a taste of the local produce even when the community shops are shut. Barra has a whole host of honesty boxes - some even have a dedicated Facebook page - and are well worth a visit if you’re peckish on the island.  

Eriskay - Am Politician bar/ Whiskey Galore

Am Politician was built over 30 years ago taking its name from the S.S Politician vessel which came onto the rocks of Eriskay in 1941. The story of the S.S Politician - which had over 200,000 bottles of whiskey on-board - inspired countless retellings but was truly immortalised by Alexander MacKendrick’s Whiskey Galore!.

Thank you for listening to the Caledonian MacBrayne podcast. You can find out more about Scotland’s west coast islands and all topics discussed on this episode at calmac.co.uk/podcast

Bute 

It might be just 15 miles long but this compact island is brimming with culture, history, wildlife, and arts. Given the title of the best place to live in Scotland by The Times in 2022, the Isle of Bute has certainly earned its place as a top visitor destination.

Mount Stuart House

No trip to Bute would be complete without a visit to the iconic Mount Stuart House. With the firth of Clyde as its backdrop, the landmark is a real blend of idyllic nature, stunning architecture, and captivating history. Throughout the year there are a range of exhibitions, and performances in the house and grounds making it a real cultural highlight.

Bute Highland Games

The Highland Games are one of Scotland’s most well-known traditions with many communities drawing huge crowds to their festivities every year. The Bute Highland Games are a truly authentic experience as the day’s events almost always include pipe bands, highland dancers, and of course, the heavy events such as the hammer throw and caber toss which have become synonymous with the games themselves.

Bute Yard

Bute Yard is a contemporary multi-use space hosting a variety of different food and drink vendors from across the Isle of Bute. It has indoor and outdoor facilities including an on-site distillery which offer tours and tastings year-round. Alongside that there are regular markets where you can sample the finest culinary offerings from the Island.

Thank you for listening to the Caledonian MacBrayne podcast. You can find out more about Scotland’s west coast islands and all topics discussed on this episode at calmac.co.uk/podcast