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.

The post A Brief History of Islay appeared first on Islay Cottages.

The Highland cow has become an icon of Scotland, but how much do you know about these long-haired creatures of the Highlands? Today we answer some of the most-asked questions about Highland cows.

Where do Highland cows live?

Well, of course they come from the Scottish Highlands. The breed originated not far from Islay, in the Western Isles of Scotland. And it is the oldest breed of cattle in the world, first registered in 1885. But today, you’ll find them all over Scotland and other parts of the world too. Places such as America, Canada, Australia, Germany, Belgium and Switzerland, to name a few.

How big is a Highland cow?

Highland cattle are smaller than other breeds of cow you may be familiar with, such as Friesians or Jerseys. Female Highland cows weigh around 500 kg and males about 800 kg.

Can you milk a Highland cow?

Yes, you can milk a female Highland cow, although you wouldn’t get the same large quantities of milk you’d get from a dairy cow. Highland cows have smaller teats and their milk has a higher content of butterfat.

Are Highland cows dangerous?

No, Highland cows are not thought to be dangerous. They generally have a gentle, friendly nature. As with all large animals though, do take care not to spook them. And, be extra careful around mothers with calves, are they are very protective of their young.

Why are Highland cows so hairy?

The Highland cow’s shaggy coat helps it survive the cold Scottish winter. Their undercoats keep them warm, while their longer guard hairs protect them from the rain and snow. During the summer they shed most of this hair, to prevent them from overheating. They also have long eyelashes and a long fringe which defends their eyes against the elements and stops insects from getting in.

Do female Highland cows have horns?

Yes, but the horns of males and females do differ slightly. The male’s horns are shorter, thicker and only curve upwards a little. While the female’s horns are longer, thinner and curve upwards more.

So now you know a little more about the Scottish Highland cow (Heilan coo in Scots). Look out for them on your next visit to Islay. And if you’re already planning your next trip, take a look at our special accommodation offers today.

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Whisky tasting is a niche for some, and most people will tell you that the perfect whisky has this or has that, or is between this age and that age. The truth is, it’s all subject to personal taste. But what really makes a whisky a whisky? In our essential guide to whisky tasting we’ve picked things which might help you work out what’s for you and what’s not when it comes to this fine art.

Whisky “Experts”

The first thing you need to know, is someone who says they’re an expert when it comes to whisky tasting, and then proceeds to tell you what the best whisky is, is not an expert.

The truth is there is no such thing as an expert .. or even the perfect whisky. A whisky is a whisky and will appeal to different people with different tastes. Some people will tell you never to mix a whisky with anything other than water. While others will happily tell you their favourite whisky cocktail recipes.

Often, you will find the Islay locals will be more than willing to share their favourite malts with you. As they’ve had several years to explore the tastes of the local distilleries.

There is no such thing as a double or triple malt

Anybody who tries to sell you a “double malt” or a “triple malt” is having you on! There is no such thing.

Single malt simply means a whisky unblended with any other malt. So, anything other than a single malt is a blend. No ifs or buts about it!

It’s all about the barrel!

This might sound a bit cliche, but it’s true. The kind of barrel and where it is from has an impact on the flavour and composition of the whisky. Usually, whisky distilleries will use barrels that were previously used for alcohols such as sherry and therefore soaked in flavour. Furthermore, casks are usually made of oak.

The Key Malt Whiskies

The five most common types of Scotch Whisky, named after the area in Scotland where they are distilled:

• Islay Malts
• Highland Malts
• Strathspey Malts
• Lowland Malts
• Campbeltown Malts

Each of these whiskies have their own signature taste. Of course, a trip to Islay is incomplete without a whisky tasting session or two! Islay itself is home to eight whisky distilleries and with copious supplies of peat and fresh water on hand, Islay malts have arguably the strongest taste out of all the malt whiskies in the world. They are well known for their dry finish and particularly those from the southern part of the island are known for having quite the bite too!

Come and join us…

So without further adieu, we beckon you to come join us on the beautiful island of Islay and use this tasting guide to help you begin exploring the wonderful whisky offering of Islay!

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