The Boathouse

Top choice in Southern Highlands & Islands


This picturesque stone cottage is right by the water near the ferry slip. It's the place to go for fresh seafood: local lobster, delicious oysters and sustainable, organic Gigha-farmed halibut are the highlights. Sit at the deck outside and admire the idyllic view. You can also camp here (£4/2 per adult/child), but space is limited so call in advance.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Southern Highlands & Islands attractions

1. Achamore Gardens

0.78 MILES

Subtropical plants thrive in Gigha's Achamore Gardens, the island's principal sight. Rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas take advantage of the…

2. Kintyre Gin

11.78 MILES

Set in a former piggery on the Torrisdale Castle estate, this new distillery on the eastern side of Kintyre has been turning heads in the spirit world,…

3. Kildalton Cross

12.08 MILES

A pleasant drive or ride leads past the distilleries to ruined Kildalton Chapel, 8 miles from Port Ellen. In the kirkyard is the exceptional late 8th…

4. Isle of Jura Distillery

13.71 MILES

There aren't a whole lot of indoor attractions on the island of Jura apart from visiting the Isle of Jura Distillery. The standard tour runs twice a day,…

5. Jura Church

14.11 MILES

It's worth stopping at this humble but attractive white church for its interesting collection of historical photographs upstairs.

6. Ardbeg

14.75 MILES

Ardbeg's iconic peaty whiskies start with their magnificent 10-year-old. The basic tour is good, and it also offers longer tours involving walks, stories…

7. Lagavulin

15.48 MILES

Peaty and powerful, this is one of the triumvirate of southern distilleries near Port Ellen. The Core Range tour (£15) is a good option, cutting out much…

8. Laphroaig

16.54 MILES

Laphroaig produces famously peaty whiskies just outside Port Ellen. Of the various premium tastings that it offers, the 'Water to Whisky' tour (£100) is…