Whisky is by far the most famous spirit on Islay, our Scottish island. But with Halloween looming, we thought we would look at some of the other types of spirits that inhabit this ancient place. And some Scottish Halloween traditions. If you like Scottish ghost stories, then read on and find out what eerie friends live alongside us …

Kildalton Castle and its employee

Kildalton Castle near Port Ellen (also famous for another haunting) has its very own resident ghost. The story goes that many years ago there was an employee with a ‘very distinct appearance’ who worked for the then laird. Often he would need to leave the island. Despite his absence, people still saw him wandering around the large castle building. Then one day, long after this man was dead and buried, two women in Craigmore Forest saw a figure walking towards them.

Important to note is that Craigmore Forest was once the property of the Laird. Significantly, the figure that approached, was clothed in the fashion of a bygone era. He was also accompanied by a terrier dog. As he and his dog passed the ladies, to their astonishment, there was no sound. They then simply disappeared into the bushes. Upon returning home, one of the women described this apparition to their mother, who had once worked for the laird. At once she recognised the description of this man. He was the long-dead factor who had once been employed by the old laird.

Port Ellen haunting

Next, is the haunting in Port Ellen. Now a country hotel, this building was once a distillery. When the building was still in use as a distillery in the nineteenth century, a thirsty burglar paid a visit. Indeed, being surrounded by barrels of fine malt whisky, he had a tipple or two or three or four. As a result, not being sharp with sobriety, he made for the closest exit. Unfortunately, this was a second-floor window! He did not survive the fall and is said to still haunt the building to this day. From time to time he can be seen at the spot where he fell surprising any visitors in his path. The window has since been bricked over.

Bowmore’s headless horseman

Upon his return home one stormy night in Bowmore, crofter Lachlan Ban saw something that spooked him. A headless horseman, galloped away from his house leaving him frozen in fear. As he approached the front of his house, the door was ajar. When he stepped inside the fire had blown out and there stood a bottle of Bowmore whisky and an empty dram. Of course there then came an explanation to this paranormal experience. Ban’s brother had passed that Friday night. Furthermore, he stated that the wind had blown the front door open and blown out the fire.

Additionally, he mentioned he had brought the whisky to share with him and could wait no longer. So he had a quick dram himself before leaving. In the light of the terrible weather, he had galloped off with his cloak pulled tight over his head. Nevertheless, this story still haunts the island. To this day, true islanders never offer an opened bottle of whisky to their guests in fear of attracting the headless horseman. Maybe, something to do with the fact that Ban was too embarrassed to tell real the story!

Scottish Halloween Traditions

Neep lanterns

These days, pumpkins used to create spooky lanterns at this time of year. But in Scotland, it was normal to use a turnip. Much the same as the pumpkin, these were carved with scary faces and hollowed out so a candle could be lit inside to scare away evil spirits. Most people use pumpkins now and they are much easier to carve! Why not try carving a turnip this year? It could make a great decoration for telling your Scottish ghost stories!

Guising

In Scotland we don’t have Trick or Treating. However, we do still dress up in scary costumes. We call this ‘Guising’. And the idea behind it is so the children can hide amongst any wandering evil spirits and be safe. It’s also to scare away evil spirits before they can do any damage. But traditionally, to make sure they did the job, the costumes were a lot more creepy than the costumes children wear today.

Apple Dookin’

The Scottish name for apple bobbing. And a firm favourite at parties. Without using your hands, you need to grab an apple that is ‘bobbing’ in a barrel or bowl of water.

Nut burning

If you want to find out if you and your partner will have a happy life together, try a spot of nut-burning. Popular with newly engaged couples, you put a nut in a fire. If it burns quietly, it would be a happy union. If it hisses and cracks, maybe not such a happy union!

Kale pulling

Another tradition that went hand in hand with your future with your partner! People would pull kale stalks after dark. The length, shape and amount of soil around the root represent your future lover. The length and shape had to do with their figure and the amount of soil represented wealth.

Treacle Scones

Another game played around Halloween. The objective was to take a bite out of a scone filled with treacle without using your hands. Very messy but sounds like it could be fun!

Come and visit this spooktacular island!

So why not come along to Islay and see it for yourself. Maybe you will see a ghost or two while you are here! You could join in some of the Halloween traditions and tell Scottish ghost stories throughout the evening. Autumn is a beautiful time of year to visit this stunning island. If you are looking for somewhere to stay then get in touch with us here at Islay Cottages today.

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Ensuring your holiday is as environmentally friendly as possible is important to many people who visit the island. That’s because Islay is such a natural and wild place to visit. Sometimes it feels like being back in the good old days, olde-worlde if you will, where everyone still waves to every car as they pass. So there are now many options available to you to do this, including bike hire on Islay or the use of electric vehicles to get around and see the sights.

And oh, what sights! You’ll always be on the lookout for something magical on Islay when out and about. The island is a haven for birdwatchers, with golden eagles, peregrine falcons and merlins all resident. There are also healthy deer and otter populations, as well as seals visible along the sea. Of course, you need a healthy dose of luck if you are going to see all of these animals, but keep your eyes peeled and you never know.

If you are looking to immerse yourself in nature, here are a few ways you can go green whilst staying with us on Islay. 

Bike hire on Islay

One of the best ways to see the island is by bike. This lets you travel freely on smaller paths that cars cannot go, and allows you to see more of the island than just walking would allow. The roads are mainly single track and you never know what animal you might see around the next bend!

Cycling on Islay can be exhilarating and is a favourite place for cyclists to visit. Check out our cycling blog here for more information. 

There are a couple of places you can hire a bike here on Islay, including Islay Cycles and Islay e-wheels which offers electric bikes. Bikes can be delivered to the cottage ready and waiting for you to start your adventure on day one.  If you are looking for a cycling adventure, the Islay has got to be top of your list.

Islay car hire

Sometimes a bike isn’t the right option for visitors. In this case, car hire on Islay is also available. This will allow you to tour the island in warmth and comfort. 

Whilst cars aren’t the most environmentally friendly modes of transport, electric cars are much better than petrol or diesel. So if you are planning to bring your own electric car, then there is good news! Islay now has an electric charge port in Bowmore. It is just behind the Tourist Information Centre at Bank Car Park. This way you can charge up whilst you have a lovely meal at Peatzeria, so you are ready to head out again in the morning. 

Sustainable shopping on Islay

Islay was at one point in danger of losing its post office in Bowmore. This would have had terrible repercussions, so fortunately it was saved, and it has become part of the island’s environmentally friendly economy. 

It is now called the Wild Islay Refillery and Community Post Office. It offers a sustainable and eco-friendly choice in food items and personal care products, alongside eco-friendly post related items.

The shop offers zero-waste food and eco products whilst also being an organic food specialist. And there is a large range of organic herbs and spices too. It’s the perfect place to stock up on eco-friendly and organic food and resources for your stay at the cottage. 

Shopping locally is something people do here on Islay, especially crafts. There are so many independent shops around the island that you are sure to find that one-of-a-kind gift you are looking to take home. Have a look at a few across the island here. From jewellery to photo prints to soap, there are so many ideas, and all made by local islanders too! There’s even somewhere you can watch pottery taking form before your eyes. Persabus is a lovely place to visit for unique pottery gifts, and you can even take some of these hand-crafted beauties away to decorate yourself.

Another great environmental push has been to make the distilleries on the island environmentally friendly. Bruichladdich is leading the fight and pushing to reduce emissions. In fact, it has set itself the challenge of ensuring that by 2025 its distillation process will be net zero. You can visit the distillery and find out more for yourself during your visit.

And don’t forget that sustainable shopping continues when you eat out too. At our restaurant, Peatzeria in Bowmore, we use sustainable and local ingredients wherever possible. This includes locally sourced scallops and lobster!

Enjoying a green holiday on Islay

So from bike hire on Islay to buying sustainable food products from Bowmore’s post office, there are many options to help keep your holiday as environmentally friendly as possible. The island is at the forefront of becoming more environmentally friendly and using resources sustainably. Find out more about what the island and our community is doing – and perhaps even ways you could get involved – at Islay Development. 

Finally, back to our delightful little cottages and the large luxury house at Kilchoman. All of our holiday cottages and self-catering accommodation options on Islay are set in historic buildings on the island. As such they enjoy big thick stone walls for insulation, lovely open fires to warm you up after a day walking the beaches and hills. So join us, and step back in time for a wonderful holiday in one of nature’s most unspoiled ecosystems.

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The history of Islay goes back to when hunter-gatherers settled here many thousands of years ago. With the discovery of Mesolithic and Ice Age artefacts in the area, researchers have come to the conclusion that Islay was occupied from around 10,000 BC.

You can see many of these ancient tools and other items at the Islay Museum in Port Charlotte. And you can visit many prehistoric sites on the island, including ceremonial standing stones, burial cairns and forts.

Medieval Islay

During medieval times, ordinary people on the island were farmers, who bred livestock and produced oats and barley in the rich and fertile land.

From the 6th century, Islay was ruled by a Gaelic overkingdom named Dál Riata. Then in the 9th century, Norse Vikings took control. By the 12th century, Scotland started to reclaim its islands. Helped by a warrior named Somerled, who seized them in 1156 and founded a dynasty that became the ‘Lords of the Isles’. Islay was under full Scottish rule by 1493.

Islay changed dramatically throughout the medieval period, as different cultures and influences shaped its landscape. There are several Medieval ruins that remain on the island, including Kilchoman Church and Finlaggan, the powerbase of the Lords of the Isles.

British Era and World Wars

Islay was under Scottish rule until 1707, when the Scottish and English thrones merged to create the Kingdom of Great Britain. The Scottish and the British fought many battles over the leadership of Scotland. Then later in the 20th century, both countries joined forces to defeat their shared enemies in World Wars One and Two.

You can visit more historic sites on Islay from this period. And view many items from Islay’s history, including artefacts from the two world wars, at Islay Museum.

Discovering Islay’s History Today

For a relatively small island, Islay is full of history and culture. Why not come and visit one of our cottages for a taste of Islay life? And truly take in the ambience of an island with many tales to tell.

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Asides from Islay’s stunning natural beauty, if there’s one thing our island can hold a claim to fame about. And that’s producing world-class malt whisky! Of course, with nine distilleries on the island alone, it can be hard to know where to begin. But don’t worry, we’re here to give you an insight into every single one of the whisky distilleries on Islay.

Kilchoman Distillery

Right on the doorstep of our very own Kilchoman Cottages, is the aptly named Kilchoman Distillery. This is a relatively new player to the Islay whisky scene, arriving in 2005. It was the first new distillery to the island in 124 years!

The Kilchoman Distillery is unique because they hand-craft their whisky from barley that they grow on their own farm land, on site. Making it Scotland’s only Single Farm Single Malt. It’s also one of only a few remaining independent whisky distilleries.

Bowmore Distillery

 Bowmore Distillery is the oldest distillery on Islay, dating from 1779 or even earlier.

This is a wonderful place to take a tour (there are several to choose from) and learn about whisky history and heritage. It’s also home to the Bowmore Whisky Tasting Bar. A welcoming bar with spectacular views across Loch Indaal, and experts on hand to help you find your perfect dram.

Caol Ila Distillery

If whisky is your thing, then a trip to the Caol Ila Distillery is simply a must. Its Gaelic name translates as “sound of Islay” and you should pronounce it “cull-eela”.  This distillery is about a mile north from Port Askaig. Founded in 1846, the distillery has seen closure and re-opening due to major events such as the Second World War.

Today, the whisky distillery produces around 7 million litres of the spirit each year. Caol Ila distillery is also the market leader on Islay, producing well over double the volume of whisky as the other distilleries on the island. As Islay’s giant, a tour around the Caol Ila distillery is a must-visit attraction for any whisky enthusiast.

Ardbeg Distillery

The peaty flavour of Ardbeg Distillery whisky is favoured by millions across the world. Using malted barley dried with peat smoke, a deep, smoky flavor is imparted. The distillery itself, with its iconic whitewashed buildings and black-topped pagoda roofs, is not only a haven for whisky enthusiasts but also a significant landmark on Islay, reflecting the island’s robust whisky culture.

Ardbeg Distillery offers a variety of tours that provide an immersive experience into the art of whisky making. Visitors can choose from several tour options, each designed to cater to different levels of interest and knowledge. The Quintessential Ardbeg Tour gives an overview of the distillery’s history, the whisky-making process, and includes a tasting of some of Ardbeg’s finest expressions. If you want a more in-depth experience, then an Evening Behind Closed Doors offers an extensive tasting session with private evening access, showcasing the distillery’s core range along with special releases.

Ardnahoe Distillery

Ardnahoe Distillery is the new kid on the block, founded in 2018. It has quickly garnered attention for its commitment to producing high-quality single malt Scotch whisky using time-honored techniques, including the use of worm tub condensers and wooden washbacks, which contribute to its distinctive peaty flavour profile.

Ardnahoe Distillery offers a range of tours designed to give visitors an intimate look into its whisky-making process. The Spirit Of Ardnahoe provides an overview of the distillery’s operations, finishing in their bespoke dramming area with a 15ml sample and a glass to take home.

Bruichladdich Distillery

Bruichladdich Distillery is renowned for its innovative approach to whisky-making while maintaining deep-rooted traditions. Established in 1881 and resurrected in 2001, Bruichladdich stands out for its commitment to using 100% Scottish barley and its practice of slow distillation to craft uniquely complex and flavorful single malt whiskies. The distillery produces a diverse range of whiskies, from the unpeated Bruichladdich Classic to the heavily peated Port Charlotte and the ultra-peated Octomore, each reflecting the distillery’s ethos of craftsmanship and quality.

Bruichladdich Distillery offers an array of tours that provide a comprehensive and engaging whisky experience. Take a guided walk around their Victorian distillery, with a tasting at the end. Alternatively you could even enjoy a warehouse tasting experience, with sample bottles and a complimentary glass at the end.

Bunnahabhain Distillery

On the rugged northeast coast of Islay sits Bunnahabhain Distillery. Creating distinctively smooth and lightly peated single malt Scotch whiskies, it was established in 1881 and develops a signature unpeated Islay Single Malt Whisky. The distillery’s remote location, overlooking the Sound of Islay, contributes to the unique maritime character of its whiskies, which are matured in coastal warehouses for a signature briny undertone.

Bunnahabhain Distillery offers a variety of distillery experiences. Whisky tastings are held in their new Visitor Centre which boasts spectacular views across the Sound of Islay. Furthermore, their warehouse 9 tasting is one of our most popular tours, proving to be popular with whisky lovers. It ends with an exclusive tasting of delicious whisky taken straight from the cask.

Lagavulin Distillery

On the southern coast is Islay, Lagavulin Distillery is renowned for producing 1.4 million litres of some of the most robust and richly peated single malt Scotch whiskies in the world. Founded in 1816, Lagavulin’s whisky is celebrated for its intense smoky flavor, deep complexity, and long, elegant finish. The distillery’s picturesque location overlooking Lagavulin Bay adds to its charm, making it a must-visit destination for whisky enthusiasts and travelers exploring Islay’s storied whisky trail.

Lagavulin Distillery offers a range of tours that provide a fascinating glimpse into its traditional whisky-making process. The Lagavulin Distillery Classic Tour takes visitors through the history and production techniques and a three-dram tutored tasting, including a sample of their Distillery Exclusive bottling.

Laphroaig Distillery

Laphroaig Distillery was established in 1815 and is consistently the highest selling whisky on Islay. Around 2.7 million litres of alcohol are distilled each year and has a strong, peaty flavour. It has a museum, shop and lounge bar to make for a pleasant day out.

A wide range of tours are available, from a simple tour of the distillery to more intensiveday-long experiences, some ending with the presentation of your very own iconic 10 Year Old whisky. A welcome end to a wonderful day.

Islay Whisky Breaks

Of course, visiting all these distilleries can be exhausting! But if you’re staying with us at Islay Cottages, you can relax after a hard day’s tasting and touring. So, book now and get planning your trip around the many whisky distilleries on Islay!

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Islay is famous for its spectacular wildlife and is home to many species. A beautiful, peaceful and easily-accessible island of the Inner Hebrides, it’s the perfect place to visit for a Scottish nature and wildlife retreat.

Sea Life

Islay Sea Adventures offer wonderful nature-watching boat tours. So, if you fancy bobbing up and down on the waves and breathing in the salty sea air you can board a boat at Port Ellen Marina, which will take you along the East Coast and introduce you to some of Scotland’s most amazing creatures. From the cute puppy-eyed seals, huge basking sharks and friendly dolphins you are sure to be dazzled!

Dry Land

Of course you do not have to board a boat to observe much of Islay’s wildlife. You can see much of what is on offer on foot on dry land. Seals can be observed along coastal routes. Or, if you venture inland you can stumble upon an otter near a river, or deer trotting across moorland. You may if you are lucky even spot the occasional hare darting across the heather. And if you’d like some expert guidance, Wild Islay Birding offer a choice of wildlife and bird-watching tours by mini-bus on the island.

Feathered Friends

You can spot many species of birds from any part of the island you visit. Geese and a variety of ducks bob and splash in the waters of Islay, while raptors such as the Golden Eagle and buzzards glide the skies, hunting out their next feed!

Nature Breaks to Islay

Here at Islay Cottages our properties have fabulous views of the sea, and also a fabulous special offer for nature lovers.  Stay in our cosy self-catering cottages and come and explore all the surrounding nature and wildlife.

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Are you looking for romantic breaks in Scotland? Then why not make an adventure of it and visit the stunning Scottish island of Islay? Islay is a perfect romantic getaway, with scenery and views to set any heart fluttering! With Valentines Day just around the corner, this could be the perfect gift for your loved one to get those sparks flying!

Walk hand in hand along our golden sandy beaches

If you enjoy a romantic stroll, then do it in style. With a huge choice of beautiful beaches to choose from you are spoilt for choice. From Machir Bay with its huge expanse of sand, Sanaigmore with its protected cove and Kilnaughton Bay, where in the right conditions the sand will ‘sing’ to you. Together, arm in arm, you can also watch the seals from Kilinallan and sing to them! The perfect setting for romance to blossom.

A romantic tipple for two

No break to Islay would be complete without a visit to one of our famous Islay whisky distilleries. Like our beaches, there are plenty to choose from! Some of the strongest malt whiskys come from Islay, which depending on your palette, you will love or not! If you want to treat your other half to something special, you can find out more about Distillery Tours on Islay.

You want a “Pizza” my heart?

If you fancy some delicious dining for two then head along to Islay’s very popular local restaurant! Peatzeria is a pizzeria (as you may have figured by the name) that offers a vast selection of delicious pizzas as well as a variety of other dishes. Furthermore, it boasts, stunning and romantic views over Lochindaal, where you and your loved one can share a ‘Lady and the Tramp’ moment over a bowl of pasta!

Snuggle up in each other’s arms…

Why not snuggle up by a roaring fire? Here at Islay Cottages, we have 5 cosy cottages and a stunning, large Georgian House at Kilchoman, in a rural setting with views of the sea. We also have an additional cottage in Bowmore which backs onto Lochindaal and boasts beautiful views. What is more, we have a fabulous romantic offer.  If you book with us you will receive a box of chocolates and a bottle of champagne upon your arrival! All you need to do is light the fire and indulge yourselves!

Fall in love all over again…

If this has got sparks flying and you would like to come and stay with us then please get in touch. Be it romantic Scottish short breaks, weekend getaways or longer stays, we have it covered. And all with a sprinkling of romance!

You can call us on 01496 850 32 or you can book online. For online, you can view our tariffs and availability from the booking bar or the availability section in the main navigation. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing love bloom!

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Dying to put pen to paper and churn out that next chapter of your debut novel? Perhaps you’ve simply had enough of your final year university dissertation? A writer’s retreat can work absolutely wonders … and Islay Cottages is the destination for you!

A Writer’s Retreat Surrounded by Nature

Whatever the block is to your creativity, the Queen of the Hebrides, Islay is certain to help clear your mind. Benefit from a stroll across one of Islay’s twenty unspoilt beaches and meditate on the tranquillity that the remote island brings.

Enjoy one of Islay’s many nature trails. Or, if you’re looking to give your mind a complete break, why not hop onto one of Islay Sea Adventures for a wildlife spotting excursion! Spot seals and porpoises in their natural habitat whilst scaling the Islay coastline. If you’re in luck, you may just spot some basking sharks too!

Look to Islay’s sky to spot some of the rarest and most majestic birds in the world. Islay is home to over 100 species of bird including eagles, hawks, falcons, ospreys and buzzards.

Immerse Yourself in Local Culture

Islay is also home to a rich culture and history. A quick visit to the Museum of Islay Life in Port Charlotte will be a testament to that. Be inspired for writing the next chapter of your book with the Islay community and take the time to explore the eight active whisky distilleries on the island. Dip your toes into whisky tasting with a tour around Kilchoman Distillery, conveniently located a stone’s throw away from our lovely self-catering cottages.

Escape to Islay and beat Writer’s Block

An escape to tranquillity and serenity can only be a good thing for writer’s block. Why not kick back and relax at Islay Cottages? We’re sure your writer’s retreat will be nothing but soothing. Book now and get planning your trip to the Outer Hebrides!

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