Isle of Islay Scotland http://isleofislay.posterous.com Information, blogs and images from the Scottish Isle of Islay posterous.com Sun, 15 May 2011 02:33:00 -0700 Oystercatcher in Flight at Claggain Bay Islay http://isleofislay.posterous.com/oystercatcher-in-flight-at-claggain-bay-islay http://isleofislay.posterous.com/oystercatcher-in-flight-at-claggain-bay-islay

The last weeks have been quite windy from time to time which prevented me from using the telelens every day. There were however some good opportunities for the big lens too and this last week I've tried to take pictures of Oystercatchers in flight, they are amongst my favourite birds on Islay. Below is one of my attempts.

Oystercatcher

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Fri, 06 May 2011 10:11:00 -0700 Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve Islay http://isleofislay.posterous.com/loch-gruinart-nature-reserve-islay http://isleofislay.posterous.com/loch-gruinart-nature-reserve-islay

We were in for a treat today, the weather forecast wasn't all that good but it turned out to be a lovely sunny day, at least where we were. We spent the best part of the day at Loch Gruinart near Crois Mhor, the tin roof cottage, where we had a picnic. Loch Gruinart is one of Islay's RSPB nature reserves. I'm always amazed by the beautiful colours of the water and the wildlife as you can see in the images below. I'm even more amazed by the fact that we saw only one other car during the whole time that we were there, not that we mind of course! We found the many people later in the afternoon while doing the weekend shopping at the co-op in Bowmore. Glad I'm home now, writing up this blog while enjoying a Colonsay Lager. This reminds me, I still have to post images of Colonsay, will do so later this weekend. If the weather is fine we will be visiting the gardens of Foreland House on Sunday! Have a nice weekend!

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Wed, 20 Oct 2010 05:17:56 -0700 Two Eagles on Islay Including Close Up Pictures http://isleofislay.posterous.com/two-eagles-on-islay-including-close-up-pictur http://isleofislay.posterous.com/two-eagles-on-islay-including-close-up-pictur

I had a stunning experience this morning while I was standing on a wee hill near Persabus looking west. I saw two birds in the distance flying towards me and I suddenly realised it were two Eagles passing only 50 feet overhead. The sound of their huge wings was very impressive and I managed to take a couple of images which I’d happily like to share with you. I have never seen an Eagle from this close, let alone see two flying together. When they passed they were flying over the Sound of Islay to Jura.

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Sun, 16 May 2010 12:01:52 -0700 Currie Sands near Portnahaven Islay http://isleofislay.posterous.com/currie-sands-near-portnahaven-islay http://isleofislay.posterous.com/currie-sands-near-portnahaven-islay

After a grey start of the morning the weather rapidly changed and we were at Debbies around eleven this morning, we sat in the sun enjoying our coffees and watched the world go by, what a great start of the day. Around lunchtime we arrived at Claddach where we spent some happy hours on the beach at the Currie Sands. The images show what a very lovely place this is and there is enough to be seen in the nearby area. The weather was kind to us and we had pleasant sunshine most of the day. In the afternoon we visited Bofrois, Auntie Flora’s coffee and sweet shop in Portnahaven, and we had a really nice conversation and good coffee there as well. Remember this place when you’re in the area!

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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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