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The Isle of Colonsay Trivia Quiz

Colonsay is a small island with a rich heritage and culture.

A multiple-choice quiz by Radain. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
Radain

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
353,396

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
238

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Colonsay is an island off the coast of Scotland, but exactly where is it situated? Hint

In the Inner Hebrides, midway between Islay and Mull

It is one of the Shetland Isles.

In the Outer Hebrides, between North and South Uist

In the Firth of Clyde, four miles from Ayr

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Question 2 of 10

2. Most people travel to Colonsay on the ferry from Oban. What alternative is commercially available? Hint

A hovercraft from Harris

A helicopter from Glasgow

A scheduled flight from Oban Airport

A seaplane from Skye

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Question 3 of 10

3. What sort of ferry would you travel on, if you sailed from Oban to Colonsay? Hint

A converted trawler

An open boat, for passengers and hand luggage only

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

A fast speedboat

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Question 4 of 10

4. Colonsay (thinly disguised as 'Kiloran') features in which classic film made by Powell and Pressburger in 1945? Hint

A Canterbury Tale

The Red Shoes

I Know Where I'm Going

A Matter of Life and Death

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Question 5 of 10

5. Kiloran is a parish on Colonsay and gives its name to a spectacular bay, but what does 'Kiloran' mean? Hint

View of a thousand islands

Big, sandy beach

The place where St Oran was martyred

St Oran's Church

6. Colonsay is the larger of two islands that are connected for a few hours at low tide, when it is possible to walk to Oronsay, the smaller island. This is worth visiting to see which of these? Hint

Scotland's national maritime museum

The internationally famous battlefield

The 14th Century Oronsay Priory

The only wild population of wolves left in Scotland

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Question 7 of 10

7. Ceol Cholasa is an annual event. What happens here every September? (Clue: think Ceilidh) Hint

A major international film festival

A traditional Scottish music festival

A round-the-island marathon

The annual highland cattle round-up

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Question 8 of 10

8. What bibliophile's treat would you find at the House of Lochar? Hint

A distinctive rock formation

A crofting museum

A specialist book seller and publisher

A ruined palace

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Question 9 of 10

9. In what way do Colonsay's two churches (Church of Scotland and Baptist) co-operate? Hint

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

They share a single building, using one end each.

They each pay 50% of the minister's stipend.

The organ music played at one church is relayed to the other church.

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Question 10 of 10

10. Why is Colonsay an exciting place for anyone interested in the past? Hint

The Colonsay Chronicles describe everyday life in Pictish times.

There is no electricity; the island is a living museum.

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

Motor vehicles are banned from the island.

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Colonsay is an island off the coast of Scotland, but exactly where is it situated?

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.

2. Most people travel to Colonsay on the ferry from Oban. What alternative is commercially available?

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.

3. What sort of ferry would you travel on, if you sailed from Oban to Colonsay?

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.

4. Colonsay (thinly disguised as 'Kiloran') features in which classic film made by Powell and Pressburger in 1945?

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.

5. Kiloran is a parish on Colonsay and gives its name to a spectacular bay, but what does 'Kiloran' mean?

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.

6. Colonsay is the larger of two islands that are connected for a few hours at low tide, when it is possible to walk to Oronsay, the smaller island. This is worth visiting to see which of these?

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.

7. Ceol Cholasa is an annual event. What happens here every September? (Clue: think Ceilidh)

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.

8. What bibliophile's treat would you find at the House of Lochar?

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.

9. In what way do Colonsay's two churches (Church of Scotland and Baptist) co-operate?

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.

10. Why is Colonsay an exciting place for anyone interested in the past?

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.

Source: Author Radain

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor spanishliz before going online.
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