Armin's Little Islay Guide

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Armin's Little Islay Guide Armin's Little Islay Guide - A personal visitors guide to the Isle of Islay in Scotland - Sixth edition, published April 2014 © Armin Grewe 2007-2014 Free distribution is encouraged provided the guide and all notices remain unchanged No unauthorised sale or for profit reproduction First edition published 22nd of July 2007 Second revised, updated and expanded edition published 2nd of September 2007 Third revised and expanded edition published 22nd of May 2008 Fourth updated and expanded edition published 4th of April 2009 Fifth updated and revised version published 31st of May 2011 Sixth updated and expanded version published 7th of April 2014 For the latest edition please check my website at: www.armin-grewe.com/islay/printable-islay-guide.htm Page 2 of 44 Armin's Little Islay Guide Table of Contents Preface...........................................................................................................................7 Overview Map of the Isle of Islay.................................................................................8 General Information......................................................................................................9 How do you pronounce Islay?...................................................................................9 Useful telephone numbers.........................................................................................9 Emergency numbers..............................................................................................9 Medical Help / NHS GP practices.........................................................................9 Islay Tourist Information Centre...............................................................................9 The Ileach (local newspaper)...................................................................................10 Visitors Welcome Evening......................................................................................10 The Weather.............................................................................................................10 Veterinary Services..................................................................................................10 Getting there and travelling around.............................................................................11 Flying to Islay..........................................................................................................11 Ferry to Islay............................................................................................................11 Travelling on Islay...................................................................................................12 Driving on Islay...................................................................................................12 Taxis on Islay.......................................................................................................13 Bus services.........................................................................................................13 Where to Stay..............................................................................................................14 Hotels.......................................................................................................................14 Bed & Breakfast......................................................................................................14 Self catering.............................................................................................................15 Youth Hostel............................................................................................................16 Campsites................................................................................................................16 Supplies.......................................................................................................................17 Fuel for your car......................................................................................................17 Shopping..................................................................................................................17 Pharmacy.................................................................................................................18 Banking....................................................................................................................18 Post Office...............................................................................................................18 Activities on Islay........................................................................................................19 Swimming, Fitness Studio.......................................................................................19 Golf..........................................................................................................................19 Sailing, Windsurfing and other watersports............................................................19 Museum of Islay Life..............................................................................................20 Rachel's Wild and Magic Islay................................................................................20 More detailed information.......................................................................................20 Armin's Little Islay Guide Page 3 of 44 Birdwatching and Wildlife...........................................................................................21 Birdwatching...........................................................................................................21 Islay Natural History Trust......................................................................................22 Islay Birds Blog.......................................................................................................22 Whisky Distilleries......................................................................................................23 The South.................................................................................................................23 Laphroaig.............................................................................................................23 Lagavulin.............................................................................................................23 Ardbeg.................................................................................................................23 The Centre...............................................................................................................23 Bowmore.............................................................................................................23 Gartbreck.............................................................................................................24 The West..................................................................................................................24 Bruichladdich......................................................................................................24 Kilchoman...........................................................................................................24 The North-east.........................................................................................................24 Caol Ila................................................................................................................24 Bunnahabhain......................................................................................................24 Historic Places.............................................................................................................25 Finlaggan.................................................................................................................25 Celtic Crosses..........................................................................................................25 Cultoon Stone Circle...............................................................................................25 Walking........................................................................................................................26 Guided Walks...........................................................................................................26 Walk Suggestions....................................................................................................26 Bridgend Woods..................................................................................................26 Around Machir Bay.............................................................................................26 The American Monument on The Oa..................................................................26 Ardnave and Ardnave Point.................................................................................27 Killinallan and Gortantaoid.................................................................................27 Proaig and McArthur's Head...............................................................................27 Beinn Bheigier.....................................................................................................27 Ticks........................................................................................................................28 Maps........................................................................................................................28 The Scottish Outdoor Access Code.........................................................................28 Beaches........................................................................................................................29
Recommended publications
  • Four Facts About Whisky Casks Distillers Don't Want You to Know
    Malt Maniacs E-pistle #2010-08 By Oliver Klimek, Germany This article is brought to you by 'Malt Maniacs'; an international collective of more than two dozen fiercely independent malt whisky aficionados. Since 1997 we have been enjoying and discussing the pleasures of single malt whisky with like-minded whisky lovers from all over the world. In 2010 our community had members from 16 countries; The United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany, Holland, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, The U.S.A., Canada, India, Japan, Taiwan, Australia & South Africa. More information on: www.maltmaniacs.org . Four Facts About Whisky Casks Distillers Don't Want You to Know "All casks are different." This a commonplace and it's one of the basic rules all aspiring maltheads and apprentice whisky anoraks will learn rather early on after they have started their journey into the whisky wonderland. When you take the step from standard distillery expressions to single cask whiskies mainly bottled by independents you will discover a seemingly endless variety of malts that sometimes can have very different characteristics, even if they are made in the same distillery. In this E-pistle I would like to highlight a few aspects of whisky casks that for some strange reason do not get very much attention, even though their consequences are rather significant. 1. Seaweed? What Seaweed? Tasting notes of Islay malts usually feature descriptors like “seaweed”, “sea spray”, “Atlantic jetty” or the likes. We all know that Islay is both caressed and mistreated by the powers of the Irish Sea, so in a way it is not a surprise that we can find maritime flavours in Islay whisky.
    [Show full text]
  • CITATION RINNS of ISLAY SITE of SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST Argyll & Bute Site Code: 1354
    CITATION RINNS OF ISLAY SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST Argyll & Bute Site code: 1354 NATIONAL GRID REFERENCE: NR 235620 OS 1:50,000 SHEET NO: Landranger Series 60 1:25,000 SHEET NO: Explorer Series 353 AREA: 8784.95 hectares NOTIFIED NATURAL FEATURES Geological: Structural and metamorphic geology: Dalradian Geomorphology: Coastal geomorphology of Scotland Biological: Bogs: Blanket bog Coastlands: Maritime cliff Machair Sand dune Woodlands: Scrub Birds: Breeding bird assemblage Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax, breeding Corncrake Crex crex, breeding Hen harrier Circus cyaneus, breeding Greenland barnacle goose Branta leucopsis, non-breeding Greenland white-fronted goose Anser albifrons flavirostris, non-breeding Whooper swan Cygnus cygnus, non-breeding Invertebrates: Beetle assemblage DESCRIPTION The Rinns of Islay SSSI lies on the western peninsula of the island of Islay on the west coast of Scotland. Extending from near Ardnave in the north to Portnahaven in the south, the western shores are exposed to the Atlantic Ocean. It is a large site with geological, biological and ornithological interest over a mosaic of open habitats with coastline, boggy moorland, woodland scrub and low-intensity agricultural land. The Rinns of Islay SSSI contains internationally-important exposures of rocks whose affinity is uncertain. The succession of Colonsay Group rocks is almost entirely visible in the coastal rocks, along the north-west edge of the SSSI. The rocks originated as sea-floor muds and sands, which were then much folded. In the south, a second group of rocks, the Rinns Complex, is seen below a complicated contact zone. These igneous rocks (cooled from molten rock) have been greatly altered by heat and pressure.
    [Show full text]
  • Kintour Landscape Survey Report
    DUN FHINN KILDALTON, ISLAY AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY DATA STRUCTURE REPORT May 2017 Roderick Regan Summary The survey of Dun Fhinn and its associated landscape has revealed a picture of an area extensively settled and utilised in the past dating from at least the Iron Age and very likely before. In the survey area we see settlements developing across the area from at least the 15 th century with a particular concentration of occupation on or near the terraces of the Kintour River. Without excavation or historical documentation dating these settlements is fraught with difficulty but the distinct differences between the structures at Ballore and Creagfinn likely reflect a chronological development between the pre-improvement and post-improvement settlements, the former perhaps a relatively rare well preserved survival. Ballore Kilmartin Museum Argyll, PA31 8RQ Tel: 01546 510 278 [email protected] Scottish Charity SC022744 ii Contents 1. Introduction 1 2. Archaeological and Historical Background 2 2.1 Cartographic Evidence of Settlement 4 2.2 Some Settlement History 6 2.3 A Brief History of Landholding on Islay 10 3. Dun Fhinn 12 4. Walkover Survey Results 23 5. Discussion 47 6. References 48 Appendix 1: Canmore Extracts 50 The Survey Team iii 1. Introduction This report collates the results of the survey of Dun Fhinn and a walkover survey of the surrounding landscape. The survey work was undertaken as part of the Ardtalla Landscape Project a collaborative project between Kilmartin Museum and Reading University, which forms part of the wider Islay Heritage Project. The survey area is situated on the Ardtalla Estate within Kildalton parish in the south east of Islay (Figure 1) and survey work was undertaken in early April 2017.
    [Show full text]
  • Islay February 2019
    Islay February 2019 February 20th : Sandwich Bay to Islay The group left the Observatory at 5 a.m. and had a straightforward run up to Gatwick with the ever-efficient Airport Connections. Our Easyjet flight to Glasgow was delayed by an hour but the flight itself was quicker than scheduled – did the pilot really put his foot on the accelerator? At Glasgow Airport we met with Peter and the mini-bus was then duly collected from a large company based about 20 minutes away in Clydeside. Peter and Ken came back to the airport to collect the group and then we were on our way in dreich conditions out of the city and north along the shores of Loch Lomond, then off through the sea lochs and mountains of Argyll. We stopped for lunch at the Loch Fyne Centre and again for a short stretch of the legs at historic Inveraray and, near the journey’s end, at Tarbert. Here we saw the first ‘good’ birds of the trip in the form of 5 Black Guillemots out in the harbour. From there it was a short journey to the ferry terminal at Kennacraig and, with night fast approaching, there were some rather nice sunset effects through the now-lifting clouds. A Red-throated Diver was swimming around the jetty as the M. V. Isle of Arran appeared from the south to take us across to Islay. A smooth crossing, landing at Port Askaig, and then across the dark island to the hotel at Port Charlotte for a decent night’s sleep in this very comfortable hotel set overlooking the outer reaches of Loch Indaal.
    [Show full text]
  • The Orkney Hotel Whisky Menu
    THE ORKNEY HOTEL WHISKY MENU ORKNEY MALTS Orkney’s rugged and windswept character has shaped some of Scotland’s most distinct and warming malt whiskies. Highland Park 12yr (40%) From Scotland’s northernmost distillery comes a full flavoured Malt. With a nose of malt, sherry and peat, a palate of smoke, heather and other earthy elements. Highland Park 15yr (43%) Highland Park 15 has a remarkable complex nose with notes of camphor, peat and citrus fruits and flowers. The drying sensation on the finish leaves a rich smoky feeling and the immediate desire to refill your glass. Highland Park 18yr (43%) Burnished gold in colour with a rich, mature oak and aromatic smoke aroma. It has a rich, full flavour, honey and peat taste and a soft, round and long finish. Highland Park 21yr (47.5%) Drawing its incredible character from predominantly American oak casks which have been seasoned with sherry, this 21 year old is a truly dynamic whisky with an intensely fruity and spicy centre, surrounded by complex layers of candied orange peel, dark chocolate and rich, slightly drier smoke. A malt that rewards patience and delivers experience like no other. Highland Park 25yr (50.7%) With its golden dark red colour and very rich, mature oak, chocolate fudge aroma, this whisky is universally acclaimed, by the critics as one of the great single malts. It has a full, rich burst of flavours, soft honey and nutty toffee and a long and surprisingly sweet finish for its age. Highland Park 30yr (48.1%) 30 years ago after deciding to lay down the casks that would go on to become the heart of this exceptional whisky and over these 3 decades, the whisky maturing inside them has developed an outstanding balance, with a seductive sweetness and extremely delicate smoke.
    [Show full text]
  • 9—11 September 2016
    ISLAY JAZZ FESTIVAL 2016 9—11 SEPTEMBER 2016 Presented by Jazz Scotland and Islay Arts Association Welcome ISLAY JAZZ Nowhere else in the world offers such an extraordinary context for a Jazz Festival of FESTIVAL 2016 international class as Islay. What we hope to create is a giant house party where musicians, local audiences and visitors meet and enjoy each other’s company whilst creating and listening to music that always feels immediate and often intimate, in the unique settings of the island’s distilleries, village halls, hotels, and the RSPB Centre. The Lagavulin™ Islay Jazz Festival 2016 will form part of the celebrations for 200 years of Lagavulin. Everyone involved in the Festival thanks Lagavulin for the support, especially Fraser Fifi eld and Graeme Stephen Pocion De Fe this year, where to mark the bicentenary, we present the most ambitious and exciting programme in our 17 year history. In this vintage year the programme offers an impressive international cast, from a host of Islay Jazz Festival favourites to some of the most exciting young musicians changing the face of today’s Scottish Jazz scene, it’s all packed into a weekend that’s rich with musical excitement. We look forward to sharing a dram with old and new friends. Fiona Alexander, Jazz Scotland Stuart Todd, Islay Arts Association Ulf Wakenius Ryan Quigley www.islayjazzfestival.co.uk 0845 111 0302 FRIDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 1. Martin Taylor and Ulf Wakenius SATURDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER Two of the greatest guitarists in the world. Each played for nearly a decade with jazz 6. Haf tor Medbøe, Espen Eriksen, 10.
    [Show full text]
  • Sound of Gigha Proposed Special Protection Area (Pspa) NO
    Sound of Gigha Proposed Special Protection Area (pSPA) NO. UK9020318 SPA Site Selection Document: Summary of the scientific case for site selection Document version control Version and Amendments made and author Issued to date and date Version 1 Formal advice submitted to Marine Scotland on Marine draft SPA. Nigel Buxton & Greg Mudge. Scotland 10/07/14 Version 2 Updated to reflect change in site status from draft Marine to proposed and addition of SPA reference Scotland number in preparation for possible formal 30/06/15 consultation. Shona Glen, Tim Walsh & Emma Philip Version 3 Creation of new site selection document. Emma Susie Whiting Philip 17/05/16 Version 4 Document updated to address requirements of Greg revised format agreed by Marine Scotland. Mudge Kate Thompson & Emma Philip 17/06/16 Version 5 Quality assured Emma Greg Mudge Philip 17/6/16 Version 6 Final draft for approval Andrew Emma Philip Bachell 22/06/16 Version 7 Final version for submission to Marine Scotland Marine Scotland, 24/06/16 Contents 1. Introduction .......................................................................................................... 1 2. Site summary ........................................................................................................ 2 3. Bird survey information ....................................................................................... 5 4. Assessment against the UK SPA Selection Guidelines .................................... 6 5. Site status and boundary .................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Argyll and Bute Council Roads Annual Status and Options Report (ASOR)
    Argyll and Bute Council Roads Annual Status and Options Report (ASOR) 24th November 2016 Author Lyndis Davidson Owner Jim Smith, Head of Roads & Amenity Services Date 24th November 2016 Version V1.5 Roads Annual Status and Options Report (ASOR) V1.5 Document Information Title Roads Annual Status and Options Report (ASOR) Author Lyndis Davidson The document enables authorities to report the current condition of their road assets to management and Elected Members and to structure and present options for future investment Description based upon the predicted condition and level of performance possible for different budget levels. Version Date Author Changes from Previous Version Draft 5th Oct 2016 Lyndis Davidson 1.0 7th Oct 2016 Lyndis Davidson Addition of Capital investment by administrative area for carriageways. 1.1 16th Oct 2016 Lyndis Davidson More accurate unit rates, more accurate capital cost schedule, and incorporating comments from Executive Director of Development & Infrastructure. 1.2 18th Oct 2016 Stuart Watson Addition of Option 5 1.3 3rd Nov 2016 Lyndis Davidson Option 5 commentary, information on safety schemes, flooding schemes, timber transport and bridge weight restrictions. 1.4 24th Nov 2016 Lyndis Davidson Bridges – revised estimate for Kilbridemore bridge. 1.5 14th Dec 2016 Jim Smith ii Roads Annual Status and Options Report (ASOR) V1.5 Contents 1 Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................. 1 2 Introduction ..............................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • 2019 Scotch Whisky
    ©2019 scotch whisky association DISCOVER THE WORLD OF SCOTCH WHISKY Many countries produce whisky, but Scotch Whisky can only be made in Scotland and by definition must be distilled and matured in Scotland for a minimum of 3 years. Scotch Whisky has been made for more than 500 years and uses just a few natural raw materials - water, cereals and yeast. Scotland is home to over 130 malt and grain distilleries, making it the greatest MAP OF concentration of whisky producers in the world. Many of the Scotch Whisky distilleries featured on this map bottle some of their production for sale as Single Malt (i.e. the product of one distillery) or Single Grain Whisky. HIGHLAND MALT The Highland region is geographically the largest Scotch Whisky SCOTCH producing region. The rugged landscape, changeable climate and, in The majority of Scotch Whisky is consumed as Blended Scotch Whisky. This means as some cases, coastal locations are reflected in the character of its many as 60 of the different Single Malt and Single Grain Whiskies are blended whiskies, which embrace wide variations. As a group, Highland whiskies are rounded, robust and dry in character together, ensuring that the individual Scotch Whiskies harmonise with one another with a hint of smokiness/peatiness. Those near the sea carry a salty WHISKY and the quality and flavour of each individual blend remains consistent down the tang; in the far north the whiskies are notably heathery and slightly spicy in character; while in the more sheltered east and middle of the DISTILLERIES years. region, the whiskies have a more fruity character.
    [Show full text]
  • SNH Commissioned Report 896: Islay Barnacle Goose Roost Survey 2013/2014
    Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 896 Islay barnacle goose roost survey 2013/2014 COMMISSIONED REPORT Commissioned Report No. 896 Islay barnacle goose roost survey 2013/2014 For further information on this report please contact: Rae McKenzie Scottish Natural Heritage Main Street Bowmore Isle of Islay ARGYLL PA43 7JJ Tel: 01496 810711 Email: [email protected] This report should be quoted as: RPS Ecology. 2016. Islay barnacle goose roost survey 2013/2014. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 896. This report, or any part of it, should not be reproduced without the permission of Scottish Natural Heritage. This permission will not be withheld unreasonably. The views expressed by the author(s) of this report should not be taken as the views and policies of Scottish Natural Heritage. © Scottish Natural Heritage 2016. COMMISSIONED REPORT Summary Islay barnacle goose roost survey 2013/2014 Commissioned Report No. 896 Project No: 14469 Contractor: RPS Ecology Year of publication: 2016 Keywords Islay; Branta leucopsis; roost; feeding areas; flyways. Background RPS Ecology undertook a survey programme of Greenland barnacle geese Branta leucopsis on Islay in winter 2013/14 to investigate goose movements to and from roosts sites on the island, three of which are designated as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for this species. Main findings Data collected in winter 2013/14 suggest that barnacle geese are primarily utilising the three SPA locations as roost sites, but other satellite roost sites have been identified, and confirmed. Linkage between the three SPA roosts and feeding areas is discussed and certain clear flyways highlighted. Broadly, these linkages were suggested a number of years ago by Percival (1991) and it seems that overall, even with a substantially increased population that barnacle geese are creatures of habit and use similar roosts, feeding areas and flyways from year to year.
    [Show full text]
  • Islay Whisky
    The Land of Whisky A visitor guide to one of Scotland’s five whisky regions. Islay Whisky The practice of distilling whisky No two are the same; each has has been lovingly perfected its own proud heritage, unique throughout Scotland for centuries setting and its own way of doing and began as a way of turning things that has evolved and been rain-soaked barley into a drinkable refined over time. Paying a visit to spirit, using the fresh water a distillery lets you discover more from Scotland’s crystal-clear about the environment and the springs, streams and burns. people who shape the taste of the Scotch whisky you enjoy. So, when To this day, distilleries across the you’re sitting back and relaxing country continue the tradition with a dram of our most famous of using pure spring water from export at the end of your distillery the same sources that have been tour, you’ll be appreciating the used for centuries. essence of Scotland as it swirls in your glass. From the source of the water and the shape of the still to the wood Home to the greatest concentration of the cask used to mature the of distilleries in the world, spirit, there are many factors Scotland is divided into five that make Scotch whisky so distinct whisky regions. These wonderfully different and varied are Islay, Speyside, Highland, from distillery to distillery. Lowland and Campbeltown. Find out more information about whisky, how it’s made, what foods to pair it with and more: www.visitscotland.com/whisky For more information on travelling in Scotland: www.visitscotland.com/travel Search and book accommodation: www.visitscotland.com/accommodation Islay BUNNAHABHAIN Islay is one of many small islands barley grown by local crofters.
    [Show full text]
  • Islay and Jura Road Traffic Speeds PDF 128 KB
    ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL MID ARGYLL, KINTYRE AND THE ISLANDS AREA COMMITTEE DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE September 2018 SERVICES Islay & Jura Road Traffic Speeds – Briefing Note 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 Speed Limits on the Local Road Network are governed by legislation and guidance which are summarised in the proposed policy document. The legislation and guidance have been established to regularise speed limits across the country to provide consistency of approach. 1.2 The speed of vehicles can be an emotive issue for communities that often generates intense local concern and debate. This can be due to the perception of what is an appropriate safe speed which can often differ greatly between, for example; drivers, pedestrians and pedal cyclists, many of whom live and work in the community. 1.3 A request has been received through Members for the consideration of alterations to speed limits at four locations, these being Ballygrant, Bruichladdich, Keills on Islay and Craighouse, Jura. Police Scotland have also indicated that there may be issues with drivers driving inappropriately from time to time. 1.4 Traffic Data Units (TDU) have been used to collect data at the above locations. The data for each site confirms that no further action is required by the Council. 1.5 We have shared this information with Police Scotland who have indicated that, on the basis of the recorded data, they have no concerns at these locations and do not intend any further action at this time. Notwithstanding this, normal sample enforcement will continue on the islands as Police Scotland consider appropriate. 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 This report provides requested speed data for three locations on Islay and one on Jura.
    [Show full text]