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The island of Colonsay is situated just under a two-and-a-half-hour ferry journey from Oban on the West Coast of Scotland, tucked between the better-known islands of Islay, Mull and neighbouring Jura.
Picture: Graeme William Findlater
Home to a brewery and now two working gin distilleries, the tiny island, with a diameter of just ten miles, now has a very unique gin tasting experience that is sure to wow fans of the juniper spirit.
Picture: Graeme William Findlater
The Gin Lover's Retreat was created by husband and wife team, Finlay and Eileen Geekie, who moved to the island in August 2016 to set up Wild Thyme Spirits and launch their own Colonsay Gin.
Tigh na Uruisg. Picture: Wild Thymes
Featuring a secluded house that contains over 200 gins from around the globe, the the retreat is described as the "ideal weekend for gin lovers" and is available to book as a three-day getaway from Friday to Sunday.
With full board for up to four people, the experience costs £325 per person and includes gin cocktails, a tasting, transport around the island and dinner on both nights.
The views from inside the idyllic retreat.
The accommodation at Tigh na Uruisg – which means (very aptly) Home of the Spirit - features two double rooms, each with its own shower room, a guest sitting room and a dining room, meaning there's plenty of space to relax and enjoy this unique setting.
In between sleeping, eating and gin tasting, there are a multitude of things to do on the island, which is well-known for its stunning scenery, rare wildlife and pristine beaches.
You can also visit the tidal island of Oronsay, situated off the south end of Colonsay. Walk across at low tide to see its fourteenth-century Priory, with church, cloister, medieval cross and fine grave-slabs.
While others who enjoy more rugged pursuits in between their spirits sampling might want to try a spot of MacPhie Bagging; Colonsay’s equivalent to a Munro Bagging encourages walkers to climb all the peaks on Colonsay & Oransay that exceed 300ft.
• You can find more info about the retreat here.
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