First time visitors sailing to Islay are often greatly impressed by the imposing baronial mansion which commands the hilltop overlooking approach to the ferry terminal at Port Askaig. This is, of course, Dunlossit House, the island home of … [Read more...] about Dunlossit House Islay – The Castle on the Hill
History
Laphroaig and Lagavulin Water Dispute
The Laphroaig and Lagavulin Water Dispute... A lovely bit of Islay History from a time when whisky distilling was in its infancy, life was hard and competition tough! The name Laphroaig is Gaelic and means “The beautiful hollow by the broad bay”. … [Read more...] about Laphroaig and Lagavulin Water Dispute
Plague, Priests and Pirates on Islay
Islay’s intriguing past, an article by Vivien Martin. Mention Islay and for most people the first thing that springs to mind is undoubtedly whisky. But there’s much more to Islay than that. One of my own favourite parts of the island lies between … [Read more...] about Plague, Priests and Pirates on Islay
Islay’s Hill Forts – Dun Nosebridge and Dun Guaidhre
That times weren't always as peaceful as nowadays can be determined by the large numbers of forts (Gaelic: Duns) on Islay, the silent witnesses of days gone by. Islay had around 80 forts and fortified sites, from which most of them are ruined and … [Read more...] about Islay’s Hill Forts – Dun Nosebridge and Dun Guaidhre
Round Church in Bowmore – A Brief history
The Round Church in Bowmore Islay is without a doubt Islay's most iconic building. It is the Kilarrow Parish Church which is better known as the Round Kirk at Bowmore. It continues to attract visitors from around the globe and all are impressed by … [Read more...] about Round Church in Bowmore – A Brief history