Isle of Islay

In light of COVID-19, everyone's health and safety is the most important thing. This means despite the love and desire to share our friendly, passionate and unique country, we must ask everyone at this time not to travel to our islands and remote rural communities.

Bringing the virus to these fragile and less accessible places puts unnecessary pressure on essential services and health services for local residents.

Ferry travel will only be available for those who permanently live on the islands and who have an essential need to travel to and from the mainland for essential supplies or business.

A stunning island on the 'whisky coast' of west Scotland, the Isle of Islay is probably best known for its peaty, smoky whiskies. Some say they are the best in the whole world. Home to nine working distilleries, Islay definitely has the process of making the stuff down to a fine art, using peat cut from the mosslands to give 'Islay malts' their distinct flavours. Sláinte!

Even if whisky's not your favourite drink (though it soon will be!), Islay still promises an amazing experience with its birdlife, seafood and dramatic coastal seascapes, and who knows, you might even develop a taste for it after your visit!

Islay Travel Information

How to get to Islay

You can catch the ferry daily from Kennacraig and once a week from Oban. Visit the Calmac website for more information. You can also fly to Islay, with Loganair operating flights from Edinburgh and Glasgow and Hebridean Air Services running flights from Colonsay and Oban.

How to get around Islay

There are regular buses on the island to transport you around. Find more information here.

Islay is also the main gateway to Jura where you can enjoy even more whisky! The ferry crossing only takes 5 minutes and runs regularly throughout the day.