The Isle of Colonsay Trivia Quiz

Answer: In the Inner Hebrides, midway between Islay and Mull

Colonsay is a small island, only 16 square miles in size and with a population of not much more than a hundred, but it is surprisingly diverse in its geography, amenities and history.

Answer: A scheduled flight from Oban Airport

The ferry crossing is quite long, and takes well over two hours, though much of it is in the relatively sheltered Firth of Lorne. The much quicker air service flies between Oban, Colonsay and Islay twice a week. Colonsay's grass airstrip was upgraded to accommodate a commercial service.

Answer: A roll-on roll-off car ferry with bar, cafeteria and lounge

Colonsay, like most of the Hebrides, is served by Calmac Ferries. The ferry is large enough to contain several times the local population and towers over Colonsay's harbour. One advantage of the long crossing (37 miles) is that it gives ample time to enjoy a meal on board as well as the views.

Answer: I Know Where I'm Going

The story involves a bride-to-be's determination to travel to Colonsay despite various adverse conditions. It would be a spoiler to say whether she succeeds. Much has changed since 1945, but cancellations due to the weather can still happen! All the options are films made by Powell and Pressburger.

Answer: St Oran's Church

'Kil' (from 'Cille' = Church) is a common component of Gaelic place names in Western Scotland and Ireland, though instances elsewhere suggest that Gaelic was once more widespread. 'Kirk', deriving directly from 'Church' is prevalent elsewhere in Scotland and Northern England.
Kiloran Bay is quite often listed as one of the finest beaches in the UK.

Answer: The 14th Century Oronsay Priory

Oronsay Priory is a substantial and tranquil ruin. The medieval monks specialised in hand-carved tombstones, and the re-roofed chapter house contains examples of their work. It's well worth the walk across the strand, though it's wise to watch the tide!
There was a major battle in 1156 (The Battle of Epiphany), but it was at sea. Oronsay is too remote for a maritime museum, and there are no wolves left in Scotland, though Colonsay does have a population of wild goats.

Answer: A traditional Scottish music festival

The music festival lasts about three days and the music is usually of a high standard. ('Ceol' is Gaelic for 'music') Tickets sell out months in advance, though. Colonsay has also begun to host a literary festival in the early spring.

Answer: A specialist book seller and publisher

No island this size should be without a publishing house! House of Lochar produces a range of local and Scottish history and geography books and also some fiction.

Answer: They take it in turns to host a single Sunday service.

Both churches have a manse and ministers of all denominations take it in turns to stay, take the service, and enjoy something of a break in return. The churches even have identical notice boards that indicate which church will host next week's service. It's an effective arrangement for small congregations that everyone benefits from.

Answer: There is an abundance of Iron Age forts and earlier remains.

Remote doesn't mean primitive, and there is reasonable broadband for doing quizzes on (including posting this one)! Sadly, the Chronicles don't exist, but Colonsay was of major significance from Mesolithic to Iron Age times and there are numerous forts, standing stones and other signs of early human occupation.