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
Islay Blog by Ron
Kingdom of MacBrayne
Kingdom of MacBrayne, a Book Review: Caledonian MacBrayne, or Calmac, is the ferry operator for the majority of islands off the Scottish west coast. Calmac is a familiar name for people who make use of their reliable ferry service. I still remember … [Read more...] about Kingdom of MacBrayne
Islay Summer Sea Pinks
This time of year sees abundant flowering of Sea Pinks (Armeria maritima) on the salt-marshes at Loch Gruinart and other areas and beaches across Islay. It's one of the most pretty flowering plants on the island and their bloom usually coincides with … [Read more...] about Islay Summer Sea Pinks
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