Islay: Queen of the Hebrides

By Rob Berry-Smith

There's more to Scotland than the enchanting Edinburgh and the fascinating Glasgow. Further north, the country has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, not to mention eclectic wildlife and rich historic culture.

One place of note is the isle of Islay, Queen of the Hebrides, with its 3,200 passionate residents and 130 miles of largely unspoilt coastline.

Lossit Point, Islay
Q Copyright Mary and Angus Hogg

Many tourists flock to the Scotland's fifth largest Scottish island for its wildlife, particularly bird species. During February, birdwatchers arrive on the island to see a large colony of barnacle geese, while resident birds include the hen harrier, sea eagle, chough, oystercatcher and cormorant. Meanwhile, other wildlife enthusiasts come to Islay to see the working farm of Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve.



Along with farming, fishing and tourism, Islay's economy relies upon its production of malt whisky distilling. There are eight distilleries on the island, including Ardbeg, Bunnahabhain, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, and Laphroaig.

Islay has much more to offer, including a host of sports-related activities, such as fishing, cycling, horse-riding, walking, canoeing and a range of good golf courses. Then there's the island's family-run businesses, located in picturesque local villages.

The weather on Islay is warmer than most of mainland Scotland, thanks largely to its proximity to the warm Gulf Stream, with snow rarely seen on the island and very little frost and May and June particularly mild. As a result, you may find exotic plants in many a garden on the island.

Ruins in Barradale, Islay
Q Copyright Becky Williamson

A number of popular annual festivals take place on the island, most notably the Islay Festival of Malt and Music (May) and the Islay Jazz Festival (September).

Among the other attractions are the Museum of Islay Life, located in a former church in the Port Charlotte; Islay Natural History Trust, revealing the island's wildlife; the cornerless Bowmore Round Church; and the Isle of Jura, made famous for its whisky distillery, but home to 5,000 dear and just 180 people.

While camping is popular on the island, there are a number of Islay hotels which may be more to your liking. Meanwhile, you can find excellent rates on flights to Islay from Colonsay, Oban and Glasgow.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/a-short-guide-to-islay-3317946.html

Why not visit HIAL.co.uk - home of the Highlands and Islands Airports - to browse through a range of hotels in Islay? Whether its bed & breakfast, self-catering or any other board basis, you're sure to find an Islay hotel to suit your tastes.

The photographs in this post are licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence