Activities
Nature and Wildlife: Walks, Visits and Cruises: We can suggest routes for walks around the Machrie and trips further afield that will show you some of the island's magnificent wildlife. You may also want to visit the Islay Natural History Trust, or call them on 01496 850288.
Wild animals living on the island include red and roe deer, two types of seal, otter, and wild goat. Birds living on or near the shore are golden eagles, guillemots, cormorant and shag, arctic tern, black-throated and great northern divers, eider duck and gannets. Islay has a truly beautiful landscape, and along with neighbouring Jura, it boasts over 900 types of flowering plants.
Birds and birdwatching: There are about 200 bird species on Islay, including upwards of 35,000 barnacle geese that arrive here each March. There's an RSPB hide on the east side of the island at Loch Gruinart open free of charge, with guided walks on Thursdays. A closed-circuit camera system adds to the experience. Telephone 01496 850505. Islay Birding can also provide expert trips for the less experienced. A book by Malcolm Ogilvie, The Birds of Islay, illustrated by Carol Ogilvie, gives more information. Ask for details at the Tourist Office in Bowmore on 01496 810254.
Islay Sea Safari operate one of the fastest rigid inflatable boats in the UK. Trips lasting anything from one hour to a whole day, including trips to Northern Ireland can be arranged. The boat is regularly moored at Port Ellen pontoons from where it is possible to visit the three southern distilleries and the two on the Sound of Islay, often taking in Jura distillery as well. It is also possible to experience Islay's sea wildlife including seals and dolphins along the south coast. Islay Sea Safari also operate two Rolls Royces which are available for corporate or private use, incuding weddings. Contact them on 07768 450000
Flowers and plants: There are 900 types of flowering plant on the island. Rare species such as sea radish, cowberry, spearmint, fairy foxglove and butterfly orchids grow on and around Islay. More common plants growing here include marsh orchids, spotted orchids, thyme and forget-me-nots. Malcolm Ogilvie has published a book on the subject, The Wild Flowers of Islay.
Fishing and Outdoor Pursuits. Trout and Salmon fishing: Among other places on Islay, there is trout fishing on Loch Gorm, and salmon and sea trout fishing on the upper River Laggan. For more details, contact:
Dunlossit Estate 01496 840232
Islay Estates 01496 810221
Foreland Estates 01496 850211
Port Ellen Angling Association 01496 302264
Stalking: There is stalking on Islay from Late August onwards. Contact Islay Estates River and Loch Fishing and Stalking on 01496 810221.
Bike Hire: There isn't much car traffic on Islay, so it's a rewarding place to cycle for children and adults alike. As well as curving, scenic lanes, Islay boasts the longest straight road in the British Isles. Cycling terrain here suits all abilities. We can book bikes for you at reception. There's also a hire service at Mountain Bike Hire in Port Charlotte, telephone 01496 850488 and at Bowmore Post Office, telephone 01496 810366. If you would like to read a detailed account of cycling on the island, visit www.thewashingmachinepost.net
Heritage Discovery: There are several heritage attractions on Islay, including the Museum of Islay Life, which is in a former Free Church building in Port Charlotte. Open from April to October, there is a small entrance charge. The collection includes over 1500 items, from c. 8000 BC to the 1950s, that tell the story of life on Islay, as well as a library of over 1000 books on Islay, and several thousand photographs. Staff at the museum welcome enquiries from people tracing their family history, but an appointment is necessary, and a charge of £5.00 per hour is made. Telephone 01496 850 358. The Islay Family History Society can also help with genealogical enquiries. Their website is at www.islayfamilyhistory.co.uk
The Finlaggan Trust Visitor Centre introduces the visitor to the site that was home to the MacDonald chiefs from the 12th to the 16th centuries. The Lords of the Islands ruled the Atlantic seaboard from Kintyre to Lewis, repelling invaders and greeting the rulers of England and Scotland on equal terms.
Other heritage treasures on Islay include the intricate 9th- century Kidalton Cross and adjoining chapel on the east coast of the island, and the Cultoon Stone Circle near Portnahaven. The Kilchiaran Bay Chapel on the West Coast of the Rhinns of Islay stands above beautiful coastline, and the monument to 266 drowned American sailors on the cliffs of the Mull of Oa is a breathtaking place to pause and reflect. Deserted villages at Grasdal, Tokamal and Lurabus are evocative and troubling reminders of past upheaval. Finally, the Round Church at Bowmore is a landmark on the island, and a rare example of its kind. There are other important sites, including chambered cairns and ruined forts. Contact The Museum of Islay Life or the Tourist Office on 01496 810254 to find out more about Islay's built heritage.
Craft Shopping: Gordon and Sheila Covell run the Islay Woollen Mill, which is internationally known for the quality and innovation of its products. Commissioned to provide woollens and tweeds both for Mel Gibson's film Braveheart, and for Forrest Gump, the Mill also supplies top fashion houses around the world. A rare surviving Spinning Jenny is on show in the Mill, and a weaving demonstration is available for visitors on another original machine downstairs. The shop is a treasure trove of stylish scarves, caps, skirts, jackets, rugs and much more. Visit the website at or telephone 01496 810563.
Persabus Pottery: This attractive ceramics venue is a pleasure to buy from, with jugs, vases and bowls in warm, earthy colours. Located near Port Askaig, their website at www.persabuspottery.com gives more details. Telephone 01496 840753.
Elizabeth Sykes Batiks: Choose from a wide range of exquisitely-made batiks, showing local wildlife and scenes on Islay, including the famous round church at Bowmore at sunset. These pieces can be bought in the Machrie shop, or from the Batik studio in Bridgend. Telephone Elizabeth Sykes on 01496 810147 for opening times.
Pony Trekking: There are two main riding centres on Islay. It’s a wonderful way to relax and enjoy the island scenery. Contact Rockside Pony Trekking at 01496 850231 or Ballivicar Farm Pony Trekking at 01496 302251
More information on Islay: The Islayinfo Website contains a wealth of information, pictures, activities, history and background information. The site includes a news blog with the latest Islay News, an extensive Islay photo gallery, a section of stunning Islay Panorama Pictures and Islay Wallpaper images and a wee shop with locally produced craft items.