Islay

The Scottish Island of Islay is part of the southern Hebrides and is inhabited by approximately 3200 people. With eight whisky distilleries, the spectacular scenery and the welcoming, friendly people, Islay is a great holiday destination for everyone.

Islay is the most southerly island of the Inner Hebrides of Scotland and is pronounced as "Eye-la". It covers an area of 600 square kilometers and has an impressive 130 miles of coastline. Islay is famous for its malt whisky and has eight working whisky distilleries on the island making the industry one of the most important sources of income for the island. Famous names like Bruichladdich, Bowmore, Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Caol Ila, Bunnahabhain and Ardbeg are the established brands and well known all over the world, with the recent opening of Kilchoman bringing the total to eight.

Islay is not without reason known as Queen of the Hebrides. Birdwatching is possible throughout the year because of the large colonies of geese who visit the island every winter. BBC's Springwatch 2007 highlighted the many wildlife species common to the island.

The Isle of Islay was once the main seat of power in the west of Scotland and became known as the home of the Lords of the Isles. The remains of their settlements are still visible at Finlaggan which is an important archaeological site on Islay. Remains of Islay's religious history and carved stones are visible at several locations on the island. Kildalton High cross is a fine example of this early history and is the oldest unbroken Celtic Cross in Scotland.

Islay's climate is not much different from the climate in other parts of Scotland, but it does benefit from the warm Gulf Stream. The best weather is often in springtime from April to July.

There are a number of annual festivals which attract many visitors and especially the Islay Festival of Malt and Music, held annually at the end of May, brings many people to the island. Other festivals are the Islay Jazz Festival in September and the Cantilena Festival, both at Easter and in the summer. Most of the island's accommodation tends to be booked a long time in advance for such events. These together with an almost weekly ceilidh and other local events such as sports days, boat races and outdoor musical events make for an entertaining holiday for all.

There are many things to see and do on Islay besides the distilleries, scenery and wildlife. Golf at the Machrie golf links, cycling, fishing and (hill)walking are only a few of many possible activities.

There are several local craft businesses - Persabus Pottery, Islay Woollen Mill and Islay Quilters are all worth a visit. In Islay House Square other handcraft businesses can be found. Islay Ales is one of them and is Islay's only Brewery.

Islay offers many wonderful and quiet sandy beaches all around the island, some more suitable for swimming than others. Most beaches at Loch Indaal and Laggan Bay are safe for swimming, but it's always best to check before taking off into the sea.

The Atlantic west coast of Islay is particularly beautiful with stunning bays such as Machir Bay, Saligo bay and Sanaigmore Bay. Interesting and beautiful places like historic Port Charlotte, Bowmore with its Round Church, Port Ellen and Portnahaven make your stay complete.