Kerrera

Island intro

Just a short ferry from the mainland, the lack of vehicles on the island of Kerrera makes it feel very peaceful.

Ask an Islander

We asked locals on Kerrera to tell us why their island is special. Here’s what Islander Rowan from Sea Talks said.

“The best place to go for a walk is southward towards the iconic Gylen Castle standing watch at the south of the island. The castle was partially destroyed in a fire centuries ago, but has been renovated so what remains can be explored via winding staircases. After the renovation, we had a brilliant island party to celebrate. The view from this part of the island is breathtaking and the little coves beside the castle are well worth a look. I’ve been lucky enough to watch bottlenose dolphins play in the bay from the castle’s vantage point, and you’ll often come across our resident feral goats.”

Islanders are spoiled for choice when it comes to food and drink in Kerrera. “For a such a small island we are lucky to boast a number of quality food producers. We have several farms that sell island-born and reared beef, pork, and lamb. Ardentrive Farm and Balliemore farm both have shops where this meat and other local food can be bought. On the west side, we have Isle of Kerrera Oysters and at the south end, we have a very popular café at the Tea Garden close to the castle, where you can sit in a beautiful garden or shelter in the byre. At our north end, there is a bar and restaurant at the marina and on a sunny evening, it can almost feel Mediterranean watching the yachts bobbing on the pontoons while sipping wine. I also have my own business – Sea Tea. I harvest wild botanics from the island and combine them with organic herbs and seaweed to make a range of tasty herbal teas.”

The nature in Kerrera is fantastic, as Rowan tells us. “The marshes, hazelwood and hidden coves are all great places to look for plants and wildlife. If you love nature, Kerrera is a great place to explore. The island is home to unusual moths, a seal colony, otters, sea eagles, golden eagles, barn owls, weasels, lizards and roe deer. We have so many beautiful creatures sharing our island with us. Kerrera is close to Oban – just 10 minutes on the ferry – but the island has a secluded feel and you could be a hundred miles away from town. Our amazing wee community makes life on the island so colourful and it’s wonderful to have family and lovely neighbours at hand.”

And as for island sunsets, Rowan is confident that Kerrera does them best of all! “I know most islands boast spectacular sunsets, (and I may be a bit biased!) but I do think Kerrera is witness to some particularly beautiful ones framed by the outline of the Isle of Mull. One of my favourite things is to sit on the little hill by the house watching the sun melt into the horizon.”

Gaelic / Gàidhlig

The Gaelic name for Kerrera is Cearara.

The word for a ‘cuppa’ in Gàidhlig is a strùpag.

Getting Here

CalMac Ferries operates regular sailings from Gallanach Road, 2 miles south of Oban on the mainland. Ferry car parking is limited, with no overnight parking allowed.

A seasonal ferry also runs from the North Pier in Oban town centre to Oban Marina on Kerrera.