Scalasaig Tide Times

About Scalasaig Tide Times

Scalasaig is a working ferry terminal on the Isle of Colonsay, serving as the main gateway between this remote Scottish island and the mainland. It's a functional, no-frills harbour rather than a tourist destination, though the island itself draws visitors seeking solitude and wild coastline. The settlement is tiny—just a handful of buildings clustered around the pier—and the harbour exists primarily to support the ferry service that connects Colonsay to Oban. Those who arrive here are either islanders conducting business on the mainland, or adventurous travellers willing to make the crossing to explore one of Scotland's quieter Hebridean islands. The tidal conditions here are crucial for ferry operations.. The tide predictions shown above cover 7 days of high and low tide times, updated daily using professional-grade harmonic tidal analysis. Tide heights are displayed in metres above Chart Datum (CD), the standard reference level used in marine navigation charts.

Tidal patterns at Scalasaig are driven by the gravitational forces of the Moon and Sun acting on the local ocean. The timing and height of each tide depends on the shape of the local coastline, water depth, and the position of celestial bodies relative to Earth. Like all coastal locations, Scalasaig experiences a full tidal cycle approximately every 24 hours and 50 minutes.

Spring tides — which occur at new moon and full moon — produce the largest tidal ranges at Scalasaig, with higher high tides and lower low tides than average. Neap tides, at the quarter moons, produce the smallest ranges. This fortnightly cycle is an important consideration for anyone planning coastal activities in the area.

What to Do at Scalasaig

Scalasaig is located in Argyll and Bute, Scotland Islands.

Who Uses Tide Predictions for Scalasaig?

How to Read the Scalasaig Tide Chart

The tide chart above plots predicted water height (in metres) against time for Scalasaig. The curved line rises to peaks (high tide) and falls to troughs (low tide). The height shown is measured above Chart Datum — a reference level set near the lowest predicted astronomical tide level for the area.

• HWHigh Water — the peak of the tide. This is when the sea is at its highest level. The exact time and height changes each day.
• LWLow Water — the trough of the tide. The sea is at its lowest level, often exposing rocks, sand, and mudflats.
• ↑Flood tide — the period when the tide is rising from low water to high water. Currents flow onshore or up estuaries during this phase.
• ↓Ebb tide — the period when the tide is falling from high water to low water. Currents flow offshore or down estuaries during this phase.

All times shown are in the local timezone for Scalasaig (Europe/London). Remember that tide times advance by roughly 50 minutes each day, so always check the chart for your specific visit date.

Frequently Asked Questions — Scalasaig Tides