Donald James MacPhee is a ‘Regional Affiliated Guide’ of the Scottish Tourist Guides Association (Green Badge - Argyll Islands) and can offer full and half day, or a series of day tours.  The walks cover all parts of Islay, Jura and Colonsay's beautiful landscapes from hill to shore.

Donald James (DJ) deeply cares about his home island and wants to share local knowledge and stories with visitors. Being born and raised on the island, DJ has a unique insight into the nature, history and geography, and the changes that have happened even in the last few years. He has a wealth of knowledge about all things Islay and looks to unlock the beauty of the land around him and keen for visitors to understand what the Argyll islands means to a local like himself.

DJ can open your eyes to the amount of wildlife and historical sites that the islands have to offer and can adapt the day to suit all abilities.  He is deeply passionate about nature and offers up pieces of curious knowledge throughout the trip.

He can navigate you along paths that you would never have found yourself to idyllic parts of the islands with normally no other people in sight.  His days out are over and above a walk that you could organise yourself and you will feel that Islay has been brought to life through spending time with DJ who knows the island like the back of his hand.  His wildlife eye is very keen and it’s rare for him not to spot some wildlife during the day.

Before setting up his own guiding service, DJ spent 40 years on Dunlossit Estate on Islay, from Kennel Boy to Head Keeper.  Through Islay Outdoors he is now putting his knowledge to work on behalf of his clients ensuring that no matter how brief their visit, they will have an unforgettable outdoor experience.

"He can navigate you along paths that you would never have found yourself to idyllic parts of the islands with normally no other people in sight."