Name: HolidayFox
Address: GB

The most southern of all the Inner Hebrides, Islay is a beautiful island with 130 miles of coastline and beaches to explore. On many beaches you will find yourself the only visitors apart from the wildlife! Visit the Islay Natural History…

The most southern of all the Inner Hebrides, Islay is a beautiful island with 130 miles of coastline and beaches to explore.   On many beaches you will find yourself the only visitors apart from the wildlife!  Visit the Islay Natural History Trust in Port Charlotte to find out more about the geology and wildlife on the island.  And talking of wildlife, from Port Ellen you can take a tour along the coastline by boat, with the chance to see otters, seals, a basking shark or the rare white tailed sea eagles.  If you are feeling energetic, paddle yourself on a kayak to get even more up-close. Historically, Islay has some wonderful things to see.  In the north, two islands on Loch Finlaggan are home to the remains of an ancient settlement which includes a prehistoric fort and medieval tombstones.   On the southern coast visit Dunyvaig Castle, once the navel fortress of the chiefs of the Clan MacDonald.  The remains are thought to be dated to the 16th century, although the foundations much earlier than this.   Islay is also well known for its malt whiskies, using peat from the mosslands to make their very own special blend which some would say is the best in the world.  There are nine distilleries here, open for tours and tastings, and whether you are a whiskey lover or not, they are a very interesting visit.  Maybe persuade Gran to take the kids on a seal watching trip while you immerse yourself in this particular cultural experience though.... From Islay you can also take a trip to Jura, a stunning, rugged island with about 5000 deer and under 200 locals.  You can get here only by ferry from Port Askaig on Islay and it is a very special place.

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