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The elegant ruins of Gylen Castle at the south end of the island jut out over the sea and overlook the Firth of Lorne. Built in 1582 by the Clan MacDougall, Gylen was only occupied for a relatively short time and was burnt down in 1647 during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.
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Hutcheson’s Monument at the north end of the island is a memorial to David Hutcheson of Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries, and a great spot to take in the views to Lismore and Mull.
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Kerrera is home to two of the oldest fossils in the world: Tortotubus, the oldest fossil of a land-dwelling organism (440 million years old); and the recently dated 425-million-year-old millipede fossil, the world's oldest 'bug' – older than any known fossil of an insect.
About
Just a few minutes' ferry ride from the mainland, Kerrera feels like a world of its own. With no vehicles allowed other than the residents’ own, the island is a walker’s paradise. It is steeped in Hebridean history, with magnificent geological features and an abundance of flora and fauna. Look out for wild goats, buzzards, sea and golden eagles, otters, greylag geese, seals and even the occasional porpoise or whale. Stay overnight on the island and climb a hill or head to the west coast for fabulous sunsets and starry skies.
Did you know that the Gaelic name for Kerrera is Cearara?
Famous For
Ask an Islander
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King Alexander II died on Kerrera in 1249. He was King of Scotland from 1214 until his death. He concluded the Treaty of York (1237), which defined the boundary between England and Scotland – virtually unchanged today.
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There’s a colony of seals at the north end of the island and also lots to see on Cutter's Rocks – great if you have binoculars.
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If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the Highland coos bathing in the sea at the north end or our resident otter near the ferry pier.
Accommodation
Check out the following accommodation listings to book your stay.
More Information
You can find some additional information about Kerrera at the links below
COVID-19
Please check the latest rules on travelling to and around the Scottish islands on the Scottish Government website, including guidance on testing before you travel. Please note that advice may vary depending on the specific island you are visiting.
Getting here
Covid-19
In order to keep our island communities safe during the ongoing pandemic, please check the latest guidance from the Scottish Government about travelling to and around the islands. Please note that advice may vary depending on the specific island you are visiting.
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.
Get Your Passport
You can find lots more information about things to see and do on the island, see some amazing island photography and collect your island stamp by downloading our app.
Download the app
Download the Scottish Island Passport app to collect your island stamps! The app also provides lots more information on each island including recommendations from locals about things to see and do, info on how to get around, more stunning photos and useful offline maps.
- Unlock Stamps - Collect them all! Stamp your passport when you visit each island - with an individual stamp designed to represent a unique aspect of island heritage.
- Experiences - Discover the best experiences each island has to offer – from local boat trips to exciting traditional festivals, there is something for everyone.
- Maps - Navigate the islands with useful offline maps, handy for areas where internet connectivity is weak.
- Travel Jounals - Create an in-location travel journal with pictures from your island adventures, to look back on your trip.
- Favourites - keep track of your most loved islands with the favourites feature. Available to access from your account on both the app and web.