Referred to locally as ‘The Isle’, the Isle of Whithorn is designated an outstanding conservation area. The graceful crescent of shore and neat houses that make up the harbour presents a perfect spectacle in any camera’s viewfinder. Already in existence 1600 years ago, the community was at the very beginning of Scotland’s Christian history when Ninian, Scotland’s first missionary and saint, founded his church at Whithorn. The Isle Church itself, a former Free Kirk, stands prominent in defiance of the highest of tides. The Isle harbour, once the host of cargoes of coal, fertiliser and timber is now busy throughout the year with local boats fishing for crabs and lobsters, as well as catches of scallops brought in by the visiting Manx fleet. However, some of the best goes straight in through the doors of the award-winning Steam Packet Inn on the waterfront! Take a walk along the Harbour and enquire about local sea-angling opportunities. At the end of the Harbour, follow the signs for St Ninian’s Chapel and shortly you’ll come to the Witness Cairn. Just a short distance away stands the 14th century ruin of St Ninian’s Chapel, once a place where pilgrims were welcomed and now in the care of Historic Scotland. It’s an easy climb up the Cairn to the distinctive white tower which has been a mariner’s landmark for close on two centuries. At the top you can behold the majestic expanse of the Solway and the Irish Sea. Across the water lie the great peaks of Cumbria’s Lake District, while due south lies the Isle of Man, its nearest point just 18 miles away. The Isle is a welcoming port for visiting leisure sailors and bowlers too. So please bring your boat and your bowls! At the Isle you will discover a tranquil place that is much more than just a view. Welcome to the Isle!
