Islay is set at the west cost of Scotland and is the most southerly of the hebridean islands. It hosts an 18 hole championship golf course at the Machrie.

Just above 3.000 inhabitants live on the island and since 2005 they have eight working distilleries. Islay measurer approximately 25 miles north to south and 20 miles east to west. It is a paradise for birds and wildlife aswell as a wonderful flora and fauna. You also have the opportunity for salmon fishing on two rivers and trout fishing on numerous lochs. George Robertson former Nato Secretary General was bornin Port Ellen.

Area: 61,956 ha

Population: 3457 in 2001

Highest mountain: Beinn Bheigeir, 491 meter

Latitude: 55 45N. Longitude: 06 16W

Capital: Bowmore

Islay is pronounced 'eye-la' (you don't sound the letter y).

It is estimated that the island is home to over 60,000 geese!

Dozens of beaches, several historical sites and not too many tourists.

On a clear day you can see over to Ireland.

The Isle of Jura is right next to Islay and they also have a distillery, Jura distillery!

Every year the the Islay Festival of Malt and Music, Feis Ile, in 2006 it's held 27th May to 4th of June. Click here to read more about the festival >>