Dougie MacDougall, who lived in Caol Ila, next to Port Askaig, was 20 years old when he inherited his father's position of Lighthouse Boatman. He served the Sound of Islay lights for 45 years until his retirement in 1977. Dougie was married to Lily … [Read more...] about Dougie MacDougall – Islay in the OIden Days
History
Lochindaal Distillery Port Charlotte
Lochindaal Distillery was a purpose-built distillery on the Rhinns of Islay which survived in the 20th century. Located in the heart of Port Charlotte village it was constructed for its first licensee, Colin Campbell, in 1829. He only held onto it … [Read more...] about Lochindaal Distillery Port Charlotte
American Monument
The American Monument, high on the cliffs of the Oa Peninsula, is a silent reminder of the soldiers who lost their lives in Islay's waters in WorldWar I. Sacred to the immortal memory of those American Soldiers and Sailors who gave their lives … [Read more...] about American Monument
The battle of Traigh Ghruinneart
The battle of Traigh Ghruinneart (Battle of Gruinart Strand) in 1598 was the last big Clan battle to be fought in the Island of Islay, and it was between Sir Lachlan Mor MacLean, the 14th Chief of Duart and his nephew Sir James MacDonald of … [Read more...] about The battle of Traigh Ghruinneart
Rhinns of Islay Lighthouse 1882
Sarah Daniels writes: Now that the Islay lighthouses have become automatic and unmanned, anything which illuminates the daily lives of history of those custodians of the light, the lighthouse keepers, should be preserved for posterity. Thanks to the … [Read more...] about Rhinns of Islay Lighthouse 1882