The magical Island of Islay is known as the ‘Queen of the Hebrides’ and is the second largest of the Inner Hebrides – just 25 miles from north to south, and 18 miles across.
To fall under the charm of the Queen of the Hebrides, Islay is a fascinating place with its stunning seascapes offering spectacular cliffs and miles of sandy beaches, machair and blanket bog; its fascinating historical background and abundant wildlife, and most important, the Ileachs, a community of around 3,000 warm and friendly folk who make your holiday on Islay so special. With its neighbouring islands of Jura and Colonsay and some smaller isles, it forms the Islay group; a distinctive set of islands which share cultural and historical as well as geographic links. One of the earliest hunter-gatherer sites has been found on Islay dating back to 10,000 BC. By Scottish standards the climate is mild – it’s warmed by the Gulf Stream and its sea lochs are fairly well sheltered from the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
There are currently nine working distilleries on Islay with plans for two more in the next few years. The whisky industry, fishing, farming, and tourism are also important sources of income and in each speciality, the island excels. Islay is a great place to dine out on the local beef, lamb, venison (red, roe and fallow), seafood (lobster, langoustines, crabs and oyster), organically grown vegetables, all with a sprinkling of Islay’s sea salt. There is so much more about Islay than just touring the distilleries.
Discover the island’s best on a guided day tour! Tours are bespoke and tailored to guests’ requirements whether booking on your own or in a group. Tours normally begin at 09.30 hrs and finish around 17.00 hrs. Half day tours can start at 10.00 hrs and finish at 13.30 hrs. Mode of transport is a Toyota Hilux 4x4 which DJ is licensed to carry four passengers. If there are more in the group, then a car can follow to starting point of the tour.