Rona’s nautical position is LAT 57 33.3.3N LONG 05 59.2W and surrounded by the sea waters of the Sound of Raasay to the west, and the Inner Sound to the east, the sea inevitably forms an ever present backdrop to life on the island. Even deep in the hidden woodlands of the island, you’re never more than a kilometre from the shore so it’s no surprise to find that the island is rich in sea-faring history from the daring exploits of Viking long boats, ruthless pirates and smugglers’ dens, to haunting tales of the widow’s light, a forerunner of the lighthouse at the north end.

Today access is still only by sea though it’s intrepid modern day sailors in yachts and kayaks who visit Rona in summer, to moor in Big Harbour, one of the most beautiful anchorages in Scotland,

 

 

 

 

 

 

For visitors to the island’s holiday cottages, the adventure starts on the boat trip that we charter from Portree. The passage takes an hour, so you can relax and watch out for the rich marine wildlife which inhabits the waters of the Sound.

Alternatively, the island’s own launch, the MV Rona, is fully licensed to carry passengers to visit Rona for day trips, short breaks or wildlife and fishing trips exploring the bays and coves around the island. The MV Rona operates a local ferry service to and from the neighbouring island of Raasay. Ferry operators also run services on weekdays from Easter to October from Portree on Skye.