Islay

The spectacular beaches and mesmerising wilderness of the Inner Hebridean islands of Islay and Jura will fill you with joy and enrich your life.

Islay is home to a vast variety of birds and wildlife, big unblemished skies, and, of course, world-famous distilleries. They will have you relaxing with peace, tapping your toes to traditional music, or tantalising your taste buds with quality local produce.

Islay is famed for its friendly locals, smoky whiskies, overwintering geese and miles of sandy beaches. The island’s main features are undoubtedly the single malt whisky distilleries, which are sought after worldwide. Take a tour of your most loved, or all nine, to create a unique experience you’ll never forget.

Islay also boasts a unique seafaring heritage and numerous fascinating archaeological sites, including standing stones, forts, and duns, as well as Finlaggan, the former headquarters of the Lord of the Isles.

For many, the ultimate whisky experience is a trip to the Isle of Islay. This tiny wee island boasts nine working distilleries producing whiskies that genuinely reflect their environment with a characteristic peaty flavour and a hint of salty air and seaweed. All the distilleries offer tours, and each offers something unique. And for the truly devoted, with a little planning, yes, it is possible to do them all in a day!

On Islay, Kilchoman and Ardnahoe are the newest distilleries, while Bowmore is thought to be one of the oldest in Scotland, notable for malting its own barley. At Caol Ila, you can see large-scale production, while Bruichladdich is refurbished in the old Victorian style. Ardberg produces one of the peatiest flavours while Bunnahabhain produces a milder, unpeated whisky. Lagavulin produces one of Scotland’s most famous whiskies, while Laphroaig is the bestselling whisky on Islay.

With these distilleries, it isn’t a case of ‘you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all’!