Islay

Islay (pronounced ‘eye-la’) is a beautiful island off the West coast of Scotland with many unspolit beaches, several historical sites and of course its malt whisky distilleries. It is approx 25 miles long north-south and approx 20 miles wide east-west

The population is around 3400, we are also home to more than 60,000 geese!

Leisure facilities include a swimming pool in Bowmore, tennis courts in Port Ellen, a golf course at Machrie and diving around some of the many local wrecks.

Islay Info – The Ultimate Online Guide to the Isle of Islay.

How to get to Islay

By ferry: from Kennacraig which is on the Kintyre Peninsula (100 miles north of Glasgow) and is served by the CityLink bus service from Glasgow.
The official Caledonian Macbrayne web site lists the current ferry timetables and fares. Crossing time is approximately 2 hours. Vehicle reservation is required in advance.

By air:British Airways flights are available in light aircraft from Glasgow (35 minutes).

Islay Natural History Trust – The Trust runs the Wildlife Information Centre in Port Charlotte where displays illustrate the island’s wildlife riches, from its underlying geology to its birds, butterflies, wild flowers and mammals.

Islay Birding offer daily birdwatching tours in a Landrover (maximum 6 persons). Full day, half day or dawn/dusk tours available. Binoculars provided if necessary. Tel: 01496 850010 or 0781 791 4429. Web site also includes Islay bird list, photos and regular diary of bird sightings.

Bruichladdich Distillery – Scotland’s purest, most elegant spirit distilled on Victorian machinery by Islanders.

The Ileach – Islay’s local newspaper.

Islay Studios – Islay photography service.

Click here for the Islay weather forecast.