Islay : Perfect Blend of Food, Fishing and Fine Malt

Islay also known as “Queen of Hebrides” situated in the west coast of Scotland is a paradise for all people who love fine whiskey and do not mind travelling the world for it. This place boasts of wonderful distilleries and produce fine single malt that is characteristic of the place. Apart from that the island also has wonderful scenery that is the icing on the cake.

1. Finlaggan

This is a historic site which is proud of its natural surrounding and scenic beauty. Finlaggan was once the seat of the Lord of Isles and of Clan Donald that served as the administrative center of 13th and 15th century for the Lordship of Isles. Today the Finlaggan Trust maintains the site on which the refurbished cottage is now being used as an all-inclusive museum. A lot of artifacts have been excavated here because of which are displayed in the museum. All of this tells about the life of the people in those times as well as of that of the Lordship.

2. Museum of Islay Life

This place was once a church but after being purchased in 1976 it has been transformed into a museum. Since then it has been serving the purpose of enlightening the world about the life that is native to this place and its surroundings with the help of archaeological excavations and books and various other resources. In the year 1998 a gallery was constructed at one end of the Museum that serves as the warehouse and the office for the authorities managing the museum. The data that is available here dates from 8000 BC to 1950s that especially represents the Victorian and Edwardian age.

3. Ardbeg Distillery

This is the place for those who do not mind trotting the globe for that fine smoothness in their cup. Much as you may take pride in your taste for the best malt in the world, this place can assure you for providing the best experience you may have ever had in terms of whiskey touring and tasting is concerned. This place is not just that makes one of the best whiskies in the world but offers the best experience. What else can you imagine when the breezy winds of the Islay island, great food and breathtaking view of the Seaview Cottage gives you company.

4. Lagavulin

Islay drives people home for its unique peaty smoky flavor of whiskey which is simply captivating. Lagavulin is one those distilleries that has stories to tell to those who chose to visit here about the way whiskey making has evolved here centuries ago. The place is a warm and inviting with wonderful architecture in the backdrop of the most serene natural surroundings. Take home wonderful experience to cherish for lifetime and also a whiskey to gift for your loved ones. There is no assurance that once you have been to Lagavulin you will be done with it; you may find yourself drawn back again for the taste and experience!

5. Kilchoman Distillery

This distillery takes pride in its single malt like no other. Kilchoman distillery takes pride in its award winning malts and unique tastes and flavors that they present to its people. Machir Bay is the flagship of their range and is a combination that you may not come across very fine. It is ex-bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry butts. You can sign up for their distillery tour that will get you deeper understanding of this fine malt. Every process takes place right in their distillery and with so many whiskeys you will definitely have your favorites.

6. Kildalton Cross

As history says this mighty Cross was erected more than 1200 years back. It has forever remained since then and also has a lot of stories to share. While excavating the site one more cross slab was dug out which points out at the Christian presence on the soil even before. In fact, human bones were also found at the time of excavation along with Christian carved stones. All of this is on display at the Museum of Islay Life at Port Charlotte. The cross is symbolic with so many figures adorning it.

7. American Monument

This legendary monument has been built on the elevation of 429 feet cliff on the Oa peninsula. It was constructed in 1920 by the American Red Cross. The chief architect for this was Robert Walker. The reason for building this awe-inspiring structure with a solemn back drop is to honor the two troop ships that sunk here in 1918 in the wake of Second World War. This monument has been shaped like lighthouse and can be seen from almost all of Islay. Apart from touring the monument and relishing the breathtaking view of the island that it offers, the half hour walk down the meadows and the moorland walk is also something you must not miss.

8. Saligo Bay

This bay promises to provide you one of the best views of the sunset in entire Scotland. People have been coming here to experience the wildness of the sea out here and the lovely walk by the beach. The area is not advised for swimming because of the strong currents that make it unsafe. The walk is for about half a mile and the terrain is mostly grassy and sandy. The natural setting makes it for some of the most picturesque locales that you can find in Islay.

9. Lagavulin Bay

This is one of the most remarkable pebbled beach on the southern coast of the Islay Island in Scotland. Apart from the scenic walks and ideal spots to sit and admire the vast shoreline and the ever-changing colors of the horizon you will be welcomed by the one of the most Lagavulin distillery that sits right on this bay. So if whiskey is you drink then make sure you do miss out on the legendary tours and amazing malts that this place has to offer. Lovely place that is worth a visit!

10. Machir Bay

This is a tiny bay which is situated on the Western Coast of Islay. It is not a populous place as there is not much of human settlement around. In fact there is a renowned distillery here known as the Kilchoman Distillery. In fact the distillery produces one of it award winning malts that it named as “Machir Bay” after the island as a way of honoring the beauty of the place. Towards the north the Cape of Coul Point divides Macir Bay from Saligo bay. A pleasant bay that is symbolic of the beauty and serenity of Islay.

◎ Closing

You will fall in love with Islay as it reveals before you it colors and vast expanse of both land and the sea. As a tourists there is a lot of do and explore here. Apart from that the Scottish Culture is something to be experienced in its full glory and charisma！