ABOUT ISLAY

Introduction

Islay is the most southerly island in the Inner Hebrides. It has an area of 239 square miles and a population of over 3000. The island is populated sparsely but centred around the main villages of Port Ellen and Bowmore. You can find more information here.

The island is a great place for recreation with walks, plenty of coast, ferry links to other islands, lighthouses, the abandoned LIMPET energy-from-waves installation and, of course, whisky. Incidentally the LIMPET does cling to the rocks at the end of the Rinns but is now out of use. Its acronym actually means Land Installed Marine Power Energy Transmitter.

Road signs in Port Ellen

There are eight distilleries on Islay and they are well distributed across the island. They often take their name from the nearby village or hamlet and looking at the signs here you could say that all roads lead to a distillery!

There are not many hotels or restaurants and you need to book at least the day before to ensure a table.