I had the pleasure of revisiting the isle of Gigha (“Giogha” in Gaelic) in early December.  The isle lies 120 miles away from Glasgow which completely juxtaposes the hustle and bustle of any big town or city.  To me, this is beautiful and it is one of the many reasons why this island, just off the west coast of Kintyre in Scotland, has such a special place in my heart.  My uncle and aunty make up two of the 163 residents on the island and have allowed me to fully explore and appreciate everything this island has to offer from a young age. 

Our journey to Gigha was extremely beautiful.  Despite the long drive, we were treated to immaculate blue skies and still winds the whole way.  This meant we could see the incredible landscapes, such as the mountains and lakes, the west coast of Scotland had to offer.  It is definitely worth stopping off at Loch Lomond on the way – you won’t regret it!  As soon as I boarded the small ferry from the mainland, a familiar sense of relaxation and serenity came back to me.  These perfect conditions left us with incredible views of the Paps – 3 mountains on the neighbouring island of Jura (which are rarely seen so clearly).  I raced off to catch the winter sunset at the south end of Gigha, clambering on rocks and running through the shallow waters to take it in from one of the many peaceful white sandy beaches. 

I am extremely lucky that my uncle and aunt live less than 200m from a beach.  Although small in size (only 6 ½ miles long and 3 miles wide) Gigha hosts an array of incredibly unique nature and is spoilt for choice when it comes to hikes.  The palm trees on the island continue to shock me every time I see them.  Gigha basks in the warm embrace of the Gulf Stream creating a micro-environment perfect for an array of unique plants and trees. This, however, doesn’t mean that the sea isn’t absolutely freezing and the weather is usually wet and windy…

It’s not the busiest of islands (don’t go if you’re looking for a good night out), but it is beautiful to me and everyone else who visits.  One of its many beauties is the clean sea air which always guarantees a perfect night’s sleep.  I’m telling you now, you haven’t experienced anything like the air in Gigha.  I not only feel instantly calmer after a day spent on the island but also completely disconnected from university life – in the best way.  Chucking on a pair of wellies and a warm coat is one of the best bits about a trip to Gigha. 

As a tourist, there’s plenty to do…  You can cycle along the single-track road along the spine of the island which allows you to discover Gigha for yourself, you can rent kayaks, or visit the Achamore Gardens so you can see the amazing plants and trees for yourself.  When I say it’s small, I mean it; there is only one shop with the essentials plus a few souvenirs, and The Boathouse – a great restaurant open between April and September, which serves fresh local seafood and is always busy!

Since this is the Linguist magazine, I can’t not speak about languages.  The island is home to a specific dialect of Scottish Gaelic.  Unfortunately, there are only a few people who still speak Gigha Gaelic fluently (my aunt’s father Willie McSporron MBE included).  The dialect is his mother tongue and he grew up speaking it on the island with his family and the fishermen.  Even during conversations, much to my confusion, he will slip into Gaelic, but he’s given up trying to teach me!  He is amazing, an inspiration even, and having lived on the island for over 80 years, he encompasses everything “Gigha” for me. 

I encourage everyone to visit this beautiful place. You can thank me later. 

By Lily Helm