Getting to Samhchair
You can reach Islay from the mainland either by ferry or by air from Glasgow airport.
- By Ferry
- Caledonian MacBrayne operates a ferry service between Kennacraig and Port Ellen (2 miles from Samhchair) or Port Askaig (about 20 miles from Samhchair). This is a ‘drive on’ ferry but you can also use it as a foot passenger. The timetables for this and all other services are available online. It is strongly recommended that you book your ferry in advance by calling +44 (0)8000 665000.
- By Air
- ‘Flybe’ flies from Glasgow airport to Glenegedale, Islay's airport, just over five miles from Samhchair. Flight time is around 30 minutes. Timetables for these and other flights are available online or you can call Flybe Reservations on +44 (0) 871 700 2000. We can arrange car hire for you, which will meet you at the airport, or we can collect you if you prefer.
- By Bus
- Scottish Citylink operates a bus service from St Andrews Square in Edinburgh and Buchanan Street in Glasgow to Kennacraig, leaving Edinburgh at 7.05am and 11.45am and Glasgow at 9.00am and 1.30pm and arriving in time for the ferry crossing at 1.00pm and 6.00pm respectively. Enquiries +44 (0) 8705 505050.
- Local Buses
- Timetables for the bus service on Islay and also for buses elsewhere in Argyll and Bute are available on the Council's Web site.
- Samhchair
- If you are arriving on the island with your own transport, follow the road to the ‘Mull of Oa’. Turn left immediately past the new cemetery and follow the road over the hill (signposted ‘Carraig Fhada Lighthouse and Singing Sands’). Samhchair is the second house on the bay. When we know where you will be arriving we will send you personal directions - just to make sure! Alternatively, we can arrange for a hire car to meet you at the ferry. You can find a location map on our page at VisitScotland.
