Your flight to Islay takes you to Port Ellen on Scotland’s southernmost Western Isle, famous for malt whisky and MacDonald Lord of the Isles’ 350-year rule from the Vikings to James IV’s 1493 centralisation of power. Between Port Ellen and Bowmore, with its round church (no corners for the devil to hide in), the airport is adjacent to the 10km-long west-facing, Gulf-Stream-warmed Laggan Bay beach.
Step back in time to view the unfinished Cultoon Stone Circle on the far west Rhinns of Islay peninsula or, on the east, Scotland’s only surviving complete Celtic high cross at Kildalton. Islay’s living culture is epitomised by its distinctive malt whisky – peaty and subtly salty.
Away from the crowds, red and roe deer have the run of Islay’s north, from where east-coast walkers can view Jura’s three peaks, or “Paps” (Viking for breasts). Play golf on Machrie’s 18-hole championship course, immediately south of Islay airport.
Locals from Islay are proud of their seven distilleries: the west’s Bowmore and Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain and Caol Ila to the north and, most southerly, Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroaig. Try local venison, pheasant, grouse and rabbit or fine seafood: crabs, langoustines, lobsters and oysters. |