(Gaelic name meaning: Headland of the narrow point)
AIRD MHÈANAIS
Gigha is the perfect size to explore on foot, and in fact you barely have to step off the ferry onto the pier to be in an incredible location for wildlife watching. The island itself is breathtaking – silver beaches, beautiful bays, and clear green seas.
Gigha is a fertile island on land as well as the surrounding seas, so enjoys a plentiful variety of wildlife. On the ferry crossing you may be lucky enough to spot the playful bottlenose dolphins that sometimes come to swim with the boat. Keep an eye out for porpoises as these speedy creatures hunt off Gigha’s coast.
The island is special as its unspoiled, natural beauty is only a short sailing from the mainland. Gigha offers people an escape and a truly unique experience.
A bit about the site
To get to Gigha, you can either drive to Tayinloan or take the local City Link/West Coast Motors bus. The ferry is only a 20-minute sailing and you can choose to take your car or go by foot. If you take your car, there is a car park at the pier. You can watch for wildlife right here in Ardminish, or explore the wider island and some of the other stunning viewpoints.
Getting here
Buses locally or from Glasgow to Tayinloan
Ferry 20 minute crossing from the mainland
You can take your car onto the island
Accessibility
Fully accessible
Useful links
Visit Gigha Isle of Gigha Ranger Service Visit Scotland - Gigha
Responsible Access
Wondrous creatures in the waters
Look out for
Minke whales Bottlenose dolphins
Harbour porpoise
Seals
Otters
Gannets
Eider duck
Great northern divers Oystercatchers
Check out the latest sightings on HWDT Whale Track
Singing seals
The waters of the Hebrides are home to both common grey seals. They can be pretty tough to tell apart but grey seals are larger and have a straighter snout, while common seals have more of a muzzle. You might spot seals basking on rocks along the coast, or bobbing about in the sea. Seals can be heard ‘singing’ in groups on the shores - a haunting noise that lilts along the sea air. Could this be where our myths of the Siren song originate?
Big in Spirit
The Isle of Gigha is the most southerly of the Hebridean Islands, just seven miles long by a mile and a half wide. Gigha is small in size but big in spirit. The island was bought by the community in 2002 and has gone from strength to strength with a growing population that is sustainably developing its local economy. The Isle of Gigha Ranger Service set up by the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust, is responsible for promoting and protecting the island's natural, cultural & historical heritage, and community engagement. The service provides a series of family friendly and private guided walks and events, as well as improving visitor experience. The Ranger Service runs ‘’Cetacean Spotting’’ events and can direct visitors to the best spots on the island to hopefully catch a glimpse of our marine life.