Finlaggan was the home of the MacDonald chiefs for almost four hundred years, from the 12th to the 16th century. From Finlaggan, the Lords of the Isles ruled the Western part of Scotland from Kintyre to Lewis. They gained control from their Norse … [Read more...] about Finlaggan – Home of the Lords of the Isles
Islay Blog by Ron
Isle of Arran Ferry – A Tribute
Trevor Boult, an officer in the merchant navy, profiles the MV Isle of Arran a ship that has served Islay well Remarks such as 'she's a fine sea boat' and 'she's my favourite' about the ferry Isle of Arran are made with enthusiasm and some … [Read more...] about Isle of Arran Ferry – A Tribute
The Sea Route To Islay
CMAL created a commemorative brochure in PDF format to mark the launch of MV Finlaggan on 24 May 2011. The brochure is titled "The Sea Route to Islay - The Journey to Finlaggan". Written by CalMac Historian Ian McCrorie, the brochure charts the … [Read more...] about The Sea Route To Islay
Dougie MacDougall – Islay in the OIden Days
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
Book Review Last of the Puffermen
In 1965 Keith McGinn left a secure, but dead end job with Ayr Burgh Water Department to serve as a deck hand on the 'Lady Isle,' a diesel puffer owned by Irvine Shipping and Trading Company, a subsidiary of the well known puffer owning firm Ross and … [Read more...] about Book Review Last of the Puffermen