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06/10/2008

Just off the west coast of Scotland lies a hidden hebridean paradise, the island of Islay where its residents do not hide away from the winter, they get into the wild spirit of it. 

 

A break from the doom and gloom attitudes of winter to this beautiful island will certainly uncover anyone’s inner wild spirit, come rain or shine.  Relax, play, eat, drink, be a vulture for culture and connect with nature: the perfect recipe for a great seasonal break.  And Islay is not as cold as one would expect, the gulf stream keeps the climate mild. 

 

The island, known as the Queen of the Hebrides, treasures many jewels.  Historical single malt whisky distilleries, freshly caught seafood served straight to your plate, an unfenced habitat for an extensive list of wildlife and unspoilt stretches of picturesque beaches are just some of Islay’s jewels that lie instore. 

 

Arriving on the CalMac ferry at either Port Askaig, in the north of the island, or Port Ellen, in the south, from Kennacraig, there is a certain wild spirit that lies in the breeze of the island’s salty air.  A kind farewell from the ferry staff and the warmest of welcomes from the island community instantly connects you to the relaxed atmosphere & island way of life.  Arrive in style on a spectacular flight from Glasgow International to Islay Glenegedale Airport for breathtaking aerial views of the island and its coastline.  Spot several whisky distilleries along the shores and land alongside the stunning Laggan Bay. 

 

Just absorbing the natural beauty of the island landscapes will help uncover anyone’s inner wild spirit…...all this and only just arrived! 

 

So, what to do now?

 

Top 10 wild things to do on Islay

 

Head for the Beach

Islay beaches offer a view that will become a lasting memory.  For beaches with easy access, head north west to Ardnave beach just off Ardnave Loch or visit Big Strand Beach which runs seven miles south from the village of Bowmore. One of the best beaches in the southern Hebrides is Lossit Beach. To find this deserted, sandy beach you will have to brave unmarked paths and steep hill hikes so seek advice from the locals before your adventure.

 

Tour the Island’s Whisky Distilleries  

 

Islay is home to eight world famous whisky distilleries that are surrounded by spectacular, coastal scenery.  Meet and learn from friendly local craftsfolk who mash, distil, nose & bottle the “water of life”.  This is a good opportunity to soak up the angel’s share, see impressive burnished copper stills and hear stories of whisky’s turbulent past.  Choose to visit Ardbeg, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Caol Ila, Kilchoman, Lagavulin, Laphroaig and Bunnahabhain. 

 

Experience the Taste of Islay’s Gourmet Food

A taste of Islay is second to none.  Fresh from the sea or hills on the island, it is easy to find flavoursome gourmet food.  Look out for Loch Gruinart Oysters and Lagavulin Scallops amongst local beef, lamb and venison on island restaurant menus.  A treat for the pallet, also look out for dishes flavoured with local whisky.  When booking your trip to Islay, check out Discover Islay’s Wild Spirit Gourmet Experience, a travel package designed around the island’s freshest & finest produce.  Exceptional restaurants include The Harbour Inn & Restaurant in Bowmore, An Taigh Osda in Bruichladdich and Machrie Hotel & Golf Links, each of whom have created special menus for Wild Spirit guests.

 

Give the Geese a Wild Welcome

In the autumn months, thousands of white-fronted and barnacle geese arrive from Greenland and stay for at least six months up to April.  The Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve, run by the RSPB, is in the north west of Islay and is the perfect place to see large flocks of geese grazing in the grass.  Wild Spirit travel packages also offer Wildlife & Whisky Experiences for the outdoor enthusiasts.

 

Play Around with Golf

Constructed in 1891, Machrie Championship Links Golf Course & Hotel is listed in the world’s top 100 golf courses.  This is no doubt due to the quality of its greens and fairways in a stunning location perched above the 10 mile sandy bay of Laggan.  The cosy hotel at the 18th hole is the perfect place for golfers to wind down with a wee dram and a delicious meal. 

 

Go Fish!

Absorb the sea air and go fishing with Islay Marine Charters on clear blue waters.  This is a great way to see Islay’s stunning coastline from a different view point.  Anglers can catch Mackerel, Pollock and Cole-Fish which adorn the shores of Islay.   Most of Islay’s friendly hotel chefs will cook your catch for you, so ask nicely and they will cook it up a treat.

 

Visit the Mull of Oa, the American Monument

A mile walk from Upper Killeyan Farm car park will take you to this historical Monument which commemorates the 266 American servicemen who drowned when HMS Tuscania was torpedoed seven miles off the coast in 1918.

 

Walk on the Wild Side

 

Islay’s scenic, coastal walks give front row seats to view the wild blue ocean – so remember to take your camera.  Visit the local tourist information centre for advice on routes that suit your ability.  An interesting destination to try is Singing Sands beach which lies on the Oa Peninsula. Apparently if you rub the soles of your shoe against the sands you will hear a unique musical singing sound.

 

Explore the Museum of Islay Life

The museum in Port Charlotte interprets the history and development of human settlement on Islay over the centuries.  The extensive library of literature and archaeological material cover all ages from Mesolithic times to the 1950s. 

 

Have a Wild Shopping Spree

The Whisky Shop in Bowmore brings all of Islay’s single malts to one, spirit haven!  Islay Woollen Mill near Bridgend produces gorgeous clothing from tweeds to kilts, some of which have even made it to the big screen.  Celtic jewellery, art and photography are amongst a range of special gifts produced by talented, local craftsfolk.   

 

For more information on how to find your wild spirit on Islay visit www.wildspiritexperiences.co.uk.  Four night Wild Spirit Experience trips can be booked at www.wildgreentravel.com and www.scotiatravel.com. 

 

…ends…

 

For feature images and further details please contact:

Pauline Foster

PR Executive

Pure Shores PR

01631 569 651

07791573247

pauline@pureshorespr.co.uk

 

Note to Editors:

 

Wild Spirit Experiences - Travel Packages

Discover Islay now offer two Wild Spirit Experiences which make the perfect four night break on the beautiful island.  Package prices start from £550 per person and the promotion runs from 8th October 2008 to 31st March 2009.  Choose from:

 

Wild Spirit Gourmet Experience: includes a visit to 4 world famous single malt whisky distilleries of the visitors choice and gourmet dining at a range of top class restaurants.  An Taigh Osda in Bruichladdich, The Harbour Inn & Restaurant in Bowmore and Machrie Hotel & Golf Links have devised their very own menu exclusively for Wild Spirit guests. Wild Spirit Whisky & Wildlife Experience: This trip also includes 4 whisky distillery tours but gives the outdoor enthusiast the chance to explore hills & coastlines, sniff strong salty air and get extraordinary sightings of some of Islay’s amazing wildlife species.   Visitors can choose to go fishing and visit RSPB nature reserves too.  

 

Visit www.wildspiritexperiences.co.uk for more information.

 

Island Facts

Islay, also known as Ile in gaelic, is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, lying off the west coast of Scotland and approximately 35 miles north of Northern Ireland.  It is home to a population of around 4000 people, with a large majority residing in the island capital of Bowmore.  The 5th largest island in Scotland, the total area of Islay is 600 square km, measuring 40km in width and 25km in length. 

 

Getting There

By car & ferry: - From Glasgow get on the A82 and continue onto the A83 to Kennacraig.  See signs for Islay Ferry.  (Approx 4 ½ hours to drive).  The CalMac ferry services run from Kennacraig and go to either Port Askaig in the north or Port Ellen in the south, lasting two hours in duration.  For more information visit  www.calmac.co.uk/islay.

 

By Air: - Logan Air run flights from Glasgow International Airport to Islay’s Glenegedale Airport twice daily.  The 40 minute trip offers some spectacular aerial views.  Logan Air flight prices vary but can start at as little as £30 one way.  For more information visit www.loganair.co.uk.

 

Getting Around

A frequent bus & coach service runs four different routes covering most parts of the island and there are several taxi companies on the island, some of which also offer professional tours.  To bring a car across, CalMac vehicle prices start at £65 plus £6.75 per passenger/driver, prices based on a five day return booking in winter, from 19th October 2008 to 26th March 2009. 

 

Where to Stay

Islay can cater for almost any holiday maker’s accommodation needs.  A list of good hotels, self catering units, B&Bs and guest houses can be found at www.discoverislay.co.uk.

 

Discover Islay

Wild Spirit Experiences are products created by Discover Islay who are a marketing initiative for Islay, promoting the area as quality Scottish holiday destination.  Visit www.discoverislay.co.uk.