Sea birds dominate many of the coastal cliffs and colonies of fulmar, shag, black guillemot (tystie) and a few cormorants were seen. Common terns are known to have bred on islands in the north.  Herring and great black-backed gulls were recorded across the island.  Eider ducks were present in Big harbour and probably breed on suitable islands and quiet shores. Oystercatcher, mallard and shelduck were seen around Dry Harbour and elsewhere. A historical heronry remains in the mature trees to the west of Big Harbour and is active. Sea eagles, Puffins, Gannet, Speregrine, Buzzard, Sparrow, Ravens and Hooded Crows were seen across the island. Passerines seen, included Robin, pied wagtail, Dunnock, Wren, Great tit, Coal tit, Goldcrest, Blackbird, Songthrush, Chaffinch Wheatear, Stonechat, Meadow pipit, Rock pipit, Skylark, Corncrakes, Red grouse, Woodcock, Great northern diver.  Toad spawn, land molluscs such as, Arion, Ater and deroceras reticulatum, tortoiseshell butterfly can all be seen around Dry Harbour.

Some of the wildlife found on and around the coast of Rona

Whales and pods of Minkie Whales up to 30 foot are often seen breaking the surface one after the other, Inshore, both grey and common seals are found frequenting the coastline and islands associated with South Rona.  Common porpoise can be seen at any time of the year, especially on calm days when several may be seen gently surfacing, showing small dark dorsal fins, pods of one to eight would be typical.  Minke whales are seen during late summer, and on calm days long brown backs with a relatively small dorsal fin can be seen breaking the surface.  Orcas or killer whales frequent the waters, with sightings in winter and spring, but more spasmodically throughout the remainder of the year.  Seen usually in pods of up to ten, and identified by large erect dorsal fins with variable areas of white on their black body.  Northern bottle nosed whales migrate south during late summer and have been seen close to the west coast of Rona.  Several species of dolphin have been reported, including, striped, common, bottlenosed and white beaked.  Basking sharks are becoming more common.  The boatman assists assist with sightings and identification. Otters frequent much of the shoreline. Otters use the two pools formed to provide water to the house at Big Harbour. 

MV Stardust and easy access on and off Rona

Mr Corrigal Mobile: 07798 743 858 or Home: 01478 612333 who is hired by the Rona Estate operates the boat. Please do not attempt to board or disembark the boat until ropes are secure and the skipper has directed you to do so. You will be given a full briefing regarding Health and Safety on boarding. Although the boat has a cabin and enclosed wheelhouse, you are asked to be suitably dressed for the trip,with plenty of layers and a good waterproof jacket as well as strong footwear. Weather conditions at sea can be the same summer or winter. All decisions relating to the boat and the suitability of the weather for making the trip to Rona are made at the Skipper’s sole discretion. In the event that the crossing cannot be made, Bed & Breakfast accommodation will be organised in Portree.

The ferry from Portree leaves Portree Harbour at 9.30am returning from Rona 11.00am on Saturdays. This ferry is subsidised by us and so costs only £50 per cottage booking for the return trip from Saturday to Saturday for visitors staying for a minimum of a week (payable to Bill Cowie on arrival on Rona)

June to September there is an additional ferry available on demand leaving Portree Harbour at 9.30am returning from Rona 11.00am on Wednesdays. The cost of a return trip on these days is £40 per passenger (payable to Bill on arrival on Rona) minimum 6 passengers.

All ferries run weather permitting

Provisions food and drink available on Rona

Wine due to increasing demand (!) we now have stocks of good quality red and white wine (from the Sunday Times Wine Club) at Rona Lodge should you run out during your stay. Seafood we usually have frozen (and sometimes fresh) smoked or un-smoked mackerel caught (and smoked) on Rona available Unsmoked fillets:  £8.00 per kilo (this works out at about 60p per fillet/1/2 kilo bag contains approx 7 fillets for £4) Smoked mackerel fillets:  £10.00 per kilo Whole gutted mackerel, head and tail off:  £1 per fish

We can often ask local fishing boats in the vicinity for supplies of freshly caught prawns – prices dependent on what’s available but usually around £9 per kilo. Mussels can be found on the shore at Dry Harbour for free but we also farm them at Big Harbour if you require: Straight from the sea:  £2 per kilo. Let us know beforehand if you would like any of these items supplied in your cottage when you arrive – otherwise contact Bill during your stay.