Category Archives: Colonsay Excursion

A picture from an excursion to Islay’s neighbour Colonsay

Wreck of the SS Wasa on Balnahard beach, Isle of Colonsay

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Picture of the wreck of an old steam ship on a beach, only a few planks and bolts remain
Wreck of the SS Wasa on Balnahard beach, Isle of Colonsay

Almost 100 years before this picture was taken in April 2019 the steam ship Wasa caught fire off Colonsay in May 1920. A nearby Fleetwood trawler was able to rescue 24 of the 28 aboard and towed the burning Wasa to Colonsay where she was beached at Balnahard (Tràigh Bàn). Today only parts of the keel held together by various iron bolts as well as some other metal parts remain. Washed up fishing nets are getting caught on the bolts.

Remains of an old cross at Cill Chaitriona, Isle of Colonsay

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Picture of an old stone cross
Remains of an old cross at Cill Chaitriona, Isle of Colonsay

Just a few feet away from the remains of the old chapel Cill Chaitriona are these remains of an old cross. The arms have weathered away, but you can still make out where they used to be a few hundred years ago.

Cill Chaitriona near Balnahard, Isle of Colonsay

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Picture of the ruins of an old chapel in farmland
Cill Chaitriona near Balnahard, Isle of Colonsay

What remains of Cill Chaitriona, a medieval chapel and burial ground near Balnahard in the north of Colonsay. Either built around 600 to 800 or after 1200 by monks from Iona.