Isle of Islay Scotland http://isleofislay.posterous.com Information, blogs and images from the Scottish Isle of Islay posterous.com Fri, 21 May 2010 22:07:35 -0700 Sunrise over Paps of Jura from Islay http://isleofislay.posterous.com/sunrise-over-paps-of-jura-from-islay http://isleofislay.posterous.com/sunrise-over-paps-of-jura-from-islay
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I woke up early this morning to witness a beautiful sunrise over the Paps of Jura seen from Persabus Islay

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Thu, 13 May 2010 11:52:37 -0700 Change of Islay Weather http://isleofislay.posterous.com/change-of-islay-weather http://isleofislay.posterous.com/change-of-islay-weather

The weather front that came in from the west yesterday evening brought some rain today although I think it wasn’t enough to make up for the shortages. As you can see from the images the Paps were invisible. The rain left the island around two and at the moment of writing I can see some blue patches in the sky in the west, the Paps of Jura are visible again and to the east the sun is shining on the mainland. Perhaps a nice sunset? More about that tomorrow.

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Thu, 06 May 2010 01:35:00 -0700 Just after Sunrise on Islay http://isleofislay.posterous.com/just-after-sunrise-on-islay-tag-islay-paps-of http://isleofislay.posterous.com/just-after-sunrise-on-islay-tag-islay-paps-of

I was up just after sunset and went out for some pictures. The skies were very clear and the Paps of Jura were back in sight. The picture of the swan was taken at the head of Loch Indaal, so peaceful and quiet when nature and all the birds are waking up.

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Sun, 02 May 2010 05:25:55 -0700 Sunday Morning Flowers http://isleofislay.posterous.com/sunday-morning-flowers http://isleofislay.posterous.com/sunday-morning-flowers

A bit greyish and drizzly start of the morning but dry after breakfast. Went out for a walk at Dunlossit estate to Lily Loch and took some pictures of the primrose, gorse and a flowering tree. At the time of writing the sun is coming through and it looks promising for the afternoon.

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Sun, 02 May 2010 02:37:50 -0700 Entering the Sound of Islay http://isleofislay.posterous.com/entering-the-sound-of-islay http://isleofislay.posterous.com/entering-the-sound-of-islay
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We entered the Sound of Islay on Saturday afternoon, on the first of May 2010. Quite pleasant weather and hardly any wind. The view you see is taken from the ferry looking towards the lighthouse at MacArthurs Head at the beginning of the Sound of Islay with the Scottish flag in front.

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Sun, 25 Apr 2010 11:25:51 -0700 Heatherhouse and Paps of Jura http://isleofislay.posterous.com/heatherhouse-and-paps-of-jura http://isleofislay.posterous.com/heatherhouse-and-paps-of-jura
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This is a view from the Bunnahabhain Road after you’ve passed Persabus farm. One of the best views on Islay if you ask me. Next time you’re here stop and enjoy the silence and the breathtaking views.

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Sun, 25 Apr 2010 05:32:00 -0700 The Scottish Isle of Islay http://isleofislay.posterous.com/17318352 http://isleofislay.posterous.com/17318352

The Isle of Islay offers the visitor a peaceful and relaxing holiday with miles of beautiful beaches, magnificant bays on Islay's Atlantic west coast, stunning views and picturesque villages like Port Charlotte, Portnahaven and Port Ellen. Pony Trekking, fresh and salt water angling, shooting and stalking are all available, while walking and cycling are ideal and practical ways to explore the island.

Islay boasts some very fine hand craft shops which are worth a visit, such as the Persabus Pottery in Port Askaig and the Islay Woollen Mill near Bridgend. Islay House Square in Bridgend, located in the centre of Islay, is home to Islay Ales, the Islay Quilters, Elizabeth Sykes Batics and several other interesting shops. The neighbouring Bridgend woodland is perfect for fine sheltered walks along the river Sorn, specially in springtime when the grounds are covered with bluebells.

There is the famous golf links at Machrie, where visitors are welcome. Below the seas surrounding Islay lie many wrecks which provide interesting dives for the experienced diver. Islay is renowned for its huge variety of birds and wildlife and is home to the RSPB at Loch Gruinart which includes a worthy visitors centre. There are many rare winged visitors to Islay including barnacle geese in the winter time, chough and corncrake.

In Bowmore, the island’s main centre, the Mactaggart Leisure Centre comprises a superb swimming pool, sauna and fitness gym open each week from Tuesday to Sunday. Adjacent is Morrisons Bowmore Distillery, one of the eight working distilleries on Islay and welcoming visitors for a tour and dram. Close to The Oystercatcher B&B are Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroaig Distillery. Bowmore famous Round Church stands at the top of Main Street, overlooking the village.

The historical significance of Islay cannot be over emphasised. It is from Finlaggan, the cradle of the Clan Donald, that much of Argyll was ruled by the Lords of the Isles. Here, in the ancient burial ground is the grave of Robert the Bruce’s grand-daughter, and there is a seasonal visitors’ cottage on-site. Religion played a major part in Islay’s history, with many carved stones, including the Kildalton Cross.

The neighbouring Isle of Jura is one of the last wilderness areas of Europe. There is a regular ten minute ferry service from Port Askaig on Islay to Feolin. Jura has a population of around 150 people who live mainly along its east coast, and principally in the village of Craighouse. Here is situated Jura’s only hotel.

More info and pictures can be found on the Ultimate Islay Guide which offers a wealth of information, history, accommodation, maps and pictures.

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