What to do on the island

There are a number of things to do on this island for all sorts of people. Weather your into art ,hiking, sport or just there for a holiday. If you are staying here the island offers a hotel as well as a small number of holiday cottages in which you can rent. with traditional Scottish food being served all day. However if you come to the Island for its nightlife you might be disappointed with a band playing in the evenings in the hotel the island offers a more relaxing experience in its remote location. weather permitting the Island has a lot to offer for example  golfing on its small golf course or swimming on its sandy beaches. With the beaches on Gigha are known for their clear water and sand with little pollution meaning snorkelling here is great.If you are looking to try something new kayaks ,paddle boards and bikes are available to hire

If the weather hasn't quit held up you can also visit the popular Achmore House located to the centre of the island with a tea room available and great scenery.The island is also scattered with biking trails  and walks for everyone with some breathtaking views along the way . You might even see some of the historical cairns or Oham writing seen around the island.
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How to get there

Gigha mightn't be the easiest place to get to but the journey is definitely worth it .Located to the west of Scotland just of the peninsula Kintyre. A ferry crosses regularly back and forth from the local fishing town..Kintyre is located just 120 miles from Glasgow.If sailing isn't for you Gighaalso has a small grass airstrip located to the south end of the island.This airstrip can be used by private crafts or transport  to and from the mainland. Landing fees for a single aircraft range from £15.

Achamore House

Achamore house would be seen as one of the main tourist attractions on the island with the house and gardens being open for the public to come and visit. It is located in the centre of the island originally belonging to the owner of the Island Cian McNeil who sold it in the 19th centaury .It was built in 1884 by John Honeyman owner of the Honeyman and keppie business. However during the late 19th centaury the house was destroyed in a fire having to be rebuilt and designed again by the Honeyman and keppie business. The house is now in the hand of the National Trust with 50 acres of gardens and grounds. The garden is an example of the different Nationalities of the people who have visited the island for example their are southern rata which originally comes from New Zealand flowers like these do well here due to the mild climate the inner Hebrides have to offer.With queen Elizabeth and Victoria both having visited this historic house as recently as 2007 .Since then the owners have set up a B&B with a coffee house being built at the moment with 12 bedrooms to let.

History of Gigha

History 

Gigha is known for having many prehistoric architectural sites dating back to the Norse period.On the island ogham writing ,cairns and standing stones can be found scattered around the island .this is due to the near islands the Hebrides being under control of the Norse hence some of the place names on the island such as "Haakons Hill"
The Island was ancestrally owned by the McNeill's with it peaking at 600 people in the 19th centaury After half a millennium the McNeil's sold the Island for over £49000 pounds to James William Scarlett. From then on the Island was sold a number of times to different owners. 

An Introduction

My name is Millie and I decided to my blog on a small Scottish Island called Gigha .Gigha has a population of just 160 people and is located to the west of Scotland. I decided to do my blog on this as I visited the island when I was younger its unlike other Islands off Scotland due to the fact it has a micro climate surrounding it.