Colonsay to Oronsay

A set of 12 sequential images, with words, documenting a walk across the tidal sands from Colonsay to Oronsay..

Oronsay is a small tidal island just south of Colonsay; itself a smallish island lying a few miles north Islay and a two hour journey
by ferry from Oban on the mainland. It is privately owned and the RSPB essentially manages the island on behalf of the owners.

Oronsay Farm forms the only collection of habitable buildings on the island, but the fairly substantial remains of an Augustinian Priory
are immediately adjacent to the farm and are well worth a visit. It was built around 1380, possibly by John of Islay, Lord of the Isles,
according to Wikipedia, which also mentions a 'school' of monumental sculpture existing on Oronsay by the early 16th century.

Two fairly substantial celtic crosses sit just outside the perimeter of the buildings and there are also many stone slabs with effigies or
other carvings to be found within the priory itself.

The stretch of water between the two islands, known as The Strand, is walkable for a couple of hours either side of low tide,
and my outward crossing was observed by a herd of cattle, grazing on small islets of grass near the shoreline; and my return
was momentarily accompanied by the postal van, as it made its careful way back over to the main island, before the rising tide.


September 14th 2021

Below: The prose piece the words were taken from: