Wild Islay: On 35mm Film
An island in the Inner Hebrides that I return to for its peaty whisky and elemental landscapes
Looking to Jura from Bunnahabhain Distillery
Bunnahabhain Distillery
Finlaggan
Machir Bay
Ardbeg Distillery
Bruichladdich Distillery
Looking to Jura from the Caol Ila Distillery
The Paps of Jura
The pier at Caol Ila Distillery
Machir Bay
PRACTICALITIES
CalMac Ferries operate from Kennacraig to Port Ellen; Loganair flies from Glasgow. A car is essential for coastal access, though Paul’s Islay Taxi offers curated distillery tours for those bypassing the designated driver role.
CalMac Ferries
Paul’s Islay Taxi
SOME FAVOURITE ISLAY DISTILLERIES
Ardbeg— Once mothballed, now a place of cult-like devotion. Its spirit is famously, intensely peated; a heavy reach of smoke for the "Ardbeggian" faithful.
Lagavulin — Home to the revered 16-year-old. It remains the benchmark Islay malt, with undisputed status among connoisseurs.
Laphroaig— Defined by a medicinal, salty, and unapologetic profile. To visit is to join the ‘Friends of Laphroaig,’ claiming your square foot of the island's peated earth
Bruichladdich— The progressive maverick, challenging convention through innovation. For the bold, seek out the Octomore—a personal favourite and the world’s most heavily-peated whisky.
Caol Ila— Situated on a dramatic stretch of sound, it produces the elegant, maritime 12-year-old.
SUGGESTED ON ISLAY
Stay — Ardbeg House Hotel in Port Ellen.
Dining — Peatzeria a takeaway in Bowmore.
Festival — Fèis Ìle in May.