Islay top tips:

• Whisky galore - go malt whisky tasting or take a tour at one of Islay's numerous distilleries, including Arbeg, Laphroaig, Lagavulin & Bowmore. Islay's Festival of Malt & Music takes place in May each year.
• Bird-watching - spot barnacle & white fronted geese at the RSPB reserve at Loch Guinart
• Discover more about Islay's religious relics - this Scottish island is home to some excellent examples of stone circles & stone crosses
• Golf at Machrie - enjoy a round at this famous classic links course

History & Culture

Once the ancestral seat of the Lords of the Isles, Islay is a fertile island of low heather-clad hills, attractive beaches, numerous historical sites and more whisky distilleries than any other Scottish island!

In the island capital, Bowmore, you can visit the unusual Round Church (no corners for the devil to hide in!) or if history is your thing, the Museum of Island Life in Port Charlotte is well worth a visit, as are the ruins of Finlaggan Castle, home of the Macdonald chiefs, and Kildalton Chapel with its early Christian cross.

Things to See & Do

This Scottish island is perhaps most famous for its whisky and its eight working distilleries are well worth a visit. Take a tour and learn more about the distillation process or educate your palate by sampling & discerning the subtle differences between Islay's unique peaty malts. In contrast, Islay is also haven for hill-walkers and bird-watchers, it is home to the huge Loch Gruinart bird sanctuary and its vast numbers of migrating geese.  

Easily accessible for day-trips are the neighbouring islands of Jura - whose rugged scenery belies the glorious splendour of Jura House Garden - and pretty Colonsay (Wednesdays only), which boasts spectacular Kiloran Bay.

Travel to & around Islay

There are regular ferry services to Islay from Kennacraig & approx 2 flights per day between Glasgow & Islay.

McKinlay Kidd holidays in Islay

The Whisky Trail - The ultimate whisky holiday, taking in all 4 of Scotland's main whisky areas, lowland, Speyside, island & Islay

Islay Whisky Short Break - A short break for whisky aficionados

Scottish Island Escape - A relaxing tour of the hidden gems of the Southern Hebrides, taking in Islay, Colonsay & Gigha

An Island Odyssey - A diverse Scottish island-hopping holiday taking in 4 of the best known islands, Arran, Skye, Islay & Mull

Wild Islands - an active holiday that gets you close to nature, combining wildlife tours, a bushcraft skills course & campfires on the beach

Islay Flydrive Break - A 2 night break for those looking for a relaxing weekend getaway (with or without whisky!)

Islay & Gigha, Hebridean Jewels - A 4 night break with 2 nights on Islay & 2 nights on the neighbouring & tiny island of Gigha