Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Colonsay
ISLAY & JURA
Ruvaal
N
Bein
Shiantaidh
(2477ft)
Beinn
an Oir
(2571ft)
Bunnahabhain
6
Ardnave
Beinn a'
Chaolais
(2407ft)
Caol Ila
JURA
Feolin Ferry
Port Askaig
Loch
Finlaggan
Craighouse
Aoradh
(RSPB)
Ballygrant
Saligo Bay
Loch
Gorm
I
SLAY
Jura
House
Kilchoman
Machir Bay
Bridgend
Bruichladdich
Dun
Nosebridge
Bowmore
Glas
Bheinn
(1544ft)
McArthur's
Head
Kilchiaran
Beinn
Bhán
(1544ft)
Port
Charlotte
Duich
Moss
Beinn
Bheigeir
(1612ft)
Beinn
Uraraidh
(1490ft)
Claggain
Bay
Kildalton
Chapel
Portnahaven
Laggan
Bay
Port Wemyss
Orsay
Ardbeg
Kintra
Lagavulin
Laphroaig
THE OA
Port
Ellen
Carraig
Fhada
American
Monument
Mull of Oa
0
5
miles
In medieval times, Islay was the political centre of the Hebrides, with
Finlaggan
,
near Port Askaig, the seat of the MacDonalds, Lords of the Isles. he picturesque,
whitewashed villages you see on Islay today, however, date from the planned
settlements founded by the Campbells in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth
centuries. Apart from whisky and solitude, the other great draw is the
birdlife
- there's a real possibility of spotting a golden eagle, or the rare crow-like chough,
and no chance of missing the white-fronted and barnacle geese that winter here in
their thousands.
In late May, the
Feis Ile
,
or Islay Festival of Malt and Music (
W
feisile.org), takes place,
with whisky tasting, piping recitals, folk dancing and other events celebrating the
island's Gaelic roots.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
ISLE OF ISLAY
By plane
Islay's airport (
T
01496 302361,
W
hial.co.uk) is
five miles north of Port Ellen on the A846.
Destinations
Colonsay (Tues & Thurs 1 daily; 20min);
Glasgow (Mon-Fri 2 daily, Sat & Sun 1 daily; 40min); Oban
(Tues & Thurs 2 daily; 35min).
By ferry
CalMac ferries from Kennacraig on Kintyre
connect with both Port Ellen and Port Askaig. There's also a
ferry that makes the short trip across to Jura (see p.273).
