Islay is home to some truly magnificent natural beauty and Scottish wildlife. The island is a hot spot for wildlife and birdwatchers throughout the world and renowned for its offering of diverse and rare wild inhabitants. Planning a trip to Islay? Keep reading to find out more about wildlife spotting on Islay.

Grey Seals

Islay is the perfect place to observe grey seals in their natural habitat. With a colony native to the island, the seals have become fairly accustomed to a human presence and as such are happy to come within close proximity. Be warned – grey seals have a nasty bite and will not stop at anything to protect their young. It’s always important to remember never to approach a seal pup, even if it’s on its own as if your scent transfers to them. When the mother seal returns, she is likely to reject her pup. If you’re worried that a seal pup has been abandoned, stay downwind, to prevent your scent scaring away the mother and keep an eye on the baby. If you’re confident no mother is returning, then call the Scottish SPCA on 0300 0999 999.

The best places to spot grey seals on the island are Port Wemyss and Portnahaven. You may also see them around the bays between Lagavulin and Artalla. Seals can also be found at Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve.

Whales

When you’re on the Isle of Islay, part of the excitement of exploring Scottish wildlife is the chance to spot whales swimming in the nearby waters. From The Oa Nature Reserve, you can catch a glimpse of humpback whales, killer whales and minke whales. These massive creatures travel huge distances, swimming north or south, or crossing the wide Atlantic and often pass by our Scottish shores during their migrations.

Dolphins

If you’re lucky while checking out the Scottish wildlife around Islay, you might spot some dolphins playing in the waves. These amazing creatures are a joy to watch as they leap and swim. Keep your eyes peeled when you’re near the coast and you might just catch a glimpse of them having a blast in their natural habitat. Seeing dolphins off Islay’s shores is a special moment that you won’t forget!

Porpoises

Port Askaig, on Islay’s coast, gives a great view of the Sound of Islay This is a narrow strip of water between the neighbouring islands. The tides here are strong, making it a busy spot where Scottish wildlife thrives. Among the creatures you might spot are Harbour Porpoises. These small but clever animals are expert hunters, hardly ever missing their prey. They’re less than 2 meters long, so they can be tricky to spot, but watch for their curved backs and triangle-shaped fins as they swim through the Sound of Islay.

Back on land…

Bird Watching

On the Scottish island of Islay, there are around 100 different types of birds that inhabit here from Golden Eagles soaring overhead to Puffins nesting along the coastline. Bird watching is the perfect pastime when visiting Islay. Loch Gruinart Reserve is a great place to take your binoculars and see a wide range of wild birds on the moorlands. Whether you’re a pro at spotting birds or just starting out, Islay’s beaches, moors and lakes are perfect for exploring Scottish wildlife.

European Otters

If you’re seeking ot-ta wildlife, then Islay has a treat in store for you! A bad pun aside, Islay is a prime place to spot a European otter or two! The otters on the island are notoriously tricky to spot. If you wait a while, you are likely to be rewarded for your patience. You might spot them on the north of Bunnahabain, or on the Caol Ila beach.

Deer

Of course, no trip to the Scottish Highlands and Islands would be complete without spotting a stag! You may spot these majestic creatures throughout the island, but they can be very shy! The island is home to three species of deer – Fallow, Roe and Red deer. These species can be found all over the island and are a great challenge for those looking to add to their photography bucket list.

Brown Hare

The beautiful species of brown hare are all over the island. Easily spooked like the deer on Islay, the best time to sneak a peek at a brown hare is during dusk in the vicinity of Loch Gorm. Take things slow on the road as these adorable mammals may jump out onto the road! If you’re lucky, you may even be privileged to watch the hares play together in groups.

Stoats

Stoats are pretty common on Islay and they are interesting creatures. Some people think Islay stoats are a bit different from others and a species of their own, but not everyone agrees. Even though we don’t get much snow here, stoats on the Isle of Islay turn white in the winter. Keep an eye out for stoats when you’re exploring Islay’s countryside!

Frogs and Toads

Frogs and toads are pretty common on Islay. You can find the Common Toad and the Common Frog all over the place. You might hear their croaking sounds during the breeding season. These amphibians are a sign that Islay’s ecosystem is healthy. So, when you’re out exploring the island, keep an eye out for these little guys hopping around in ponds and marshes.

Islay Accommodation

At Islay Cottages, we’re passionate about sharing the beauty and diversity of Scottish wildlife with our guests. Are you planning a trip to do some wildlife spotting on Islay? Why not book in and stay at one of our beautiful self-catering cottages?
Get in touch to find out more about booking with us.

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As winter draws to an end, we are very much looking forward to spring. This is one of our favourite times of year. Nature is coming back to life, the weather is beginning to warm up, and there is a happy spring feeling in the air! Today, we’re sharing some of the reasons we love spring on Islay so much. So if you’re planning a spring break in Scotland, make sure you come and visit us here on Islay.

Nature springs to life

In spring, nature wakes up and creates a stunning spectacle. Making the wild Islay landscapes all the better to explore. Plants and trees become green and lush again, and flowers burst into full bloom. Look out for daffodils, bluebells and primroses – all sure signs that spring has sprung. On the coast, you might see otters, seals and wading birds such as lapwings and plovers. And at this time of year, we’d recommend a visit to Loch Gruinart RSPB Nature Reserve. This is a wonderful wildlife site with a range of habitats, such as mudflats, saltmarsh, grassland, moorland, bogland and woodland, where you can see a wide variety of birds and other animals. This is the time when many animals begin their mating displays, which can be fascinating to watch. You may encounter unusual bird calls and dances, hear roe deer making barking alarm calls, or even spot brown hares boxing. Look for peregrine, hen harriers, corncrakes, white-tailed eagles and golden eagles too.

Weather warms up

The weather warms up in spring, with average temperatures ranging from 4-9 °C in March, up to 8-14°C in May. Chance of rain is about 38%. Which means, warmer, drier days are on the way. So you can spend more time outdoors, taking in the sights of Islay. Some of our favourite outdoor places to visit in spring include the beautiful Machir Bay or a walk to Dunyvaig Castle. But don’t worry if it does rain, it’s the perfect excuse to retreat indoors to one of the whisky distilleries Islay is most famous for, such as Bowmore, Kilchoman or Caol Ila.

Days get longer

We get more hours of daylight as spring arrives on Islay, stretching from 10 hours at the start of March to 17 hours at the end of May. And don’t forget that the clocks go forward by one hour on Sunday 27th March this year, extending daylight into the evenings. So you can really make the most of your days here. Why not use the time to take a longer walk? There are many Islay walks to choose from of differing levels and distances. And after a busy day, enjoy a delicious meal at our Peatzeria restaurant in Bowmore. Where you can take advantage of those last few hours of daylight with outdoor seating overlooking the magnificent Lochindaal, or head indoors for cosy, welcoming dining.

Spring activities and attractions

And as we move out of winter, more activities and attractions open up on the island. For example, Islay Sea Adventures boat tours, which start up in April. Or the Museum of Islay Life, which re-opens around Easter. And if you’re looking for wildlife walks, fishing trips, bird watching, field sports and other guided trips, Islay Outdoors can tailor your experience based on the time of year and your interests.

Spring offers and menus

So, check out our seasonal offers at Islay Cottages and book your spring break on Islay, Scotland, today! With a choice of self-catering accommodation, there’s something for everyone.

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What will you get up to when staying in our family-friendly accommodation on Islay? There are plenty of things to do with kids on our beautiful Scottish island. Here are some of our favourites.

Play on the Beach

Well, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to a natural playground for all generations! Islay boasts more than 20 beautiful beaches around its coastline. Often you can have these beaches all to yourselves too. And what parents can’t resist building sand castle or letting the kids bury them in the sand? Learning can continue for all when you explore the ample rock pools that crawl with sea life! Who can collect the most shells, spot the hermit crab or find the winkles under the seaweed?

Pony Trekking Adventures

Treat the kids to a pony ride. Islay Pony Trekking offer pony rides for all abilities, from short rides for smaller children to owning a pony for a day.

Discover the Local Wildlife

The island has lots on offer for children, from bird watching to sea life spotting, Islay Sea Adventures have it covered. Perfect for kids, the trip starts at Port Ellen Marina, where the tour will take you along the beautiful coast of Islay. From seal to basking sharks this wild life adventure will be a great memory for the whole family. Highly recommended, this trip can be great fun! Make sure you bring warm clothing with youas it can get pretty cold out at sea, even on sunny days.  This is a popular experience on the island so it may be worth your while to book up in advance of visiting.

Or, if you’re looking for an indoor wildlife activity, visit the Islay National History Trust in Port Charlotte. Here you can get up close and friendly with our resident sea creatures who inhabit our touch tank aquariums. There is also a large laboratory with fun things to do including learning to use a microscope and dissecting owl pellets.

Fishing Trip

Take the kids for their first fishing trip on Islay. Get out in boat for a few hours and have the chance to catch fresh fish like tope, mackerel and skate. Again, this is a popular choice for tourists so it may be best to book up this experience online before you go.

Swimming Pool

Now lets face it…. this is Scotland and it every so often drops wet stuff from the sky! However, you may not mind getting wet in our very own swimming pool in Bowmore. For lots of splashy family fun!

Islay Family-Friendly Accommodation

So whatever the weather, you are guaranteed to find enjoyable things to do with kids on Islay. And here at Islay Cottages, we provide fabulous and cosy accommodation from a large traditional house to quaint and homely cottages where you can snuggle up in the evening after an exhilarating day of play!

Book direct for best rates guaranteed. We look forward to welcoming you!

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You spend that last week before your holidays tying up all your tasks. Then you start to pack the car, have those niggles with your travelling partner(s)- ‘did I switch the iron off, have you left food for the cat, you did lock the back door, didn’t you?….’ and you are finally on your way to the ferry. As you leave the clunk of the ferry ramp behind, the stunning Hebridean island of Islay unfolds before your eyes and all those worries start to fade away as you breathe in the fresh sea air. So the only thing that potentially needing thinking about is…’what shall we see and do on our holiday?’ Well, you need not worry as we have done the leg work for you and created your very own, bespoke top 5 things to do on Islay.

Islay Sea Adventures

Step on board a 38ft Revenge Charter with Islay Sea Adventures at the marina of Port Ellen and soak up the view of Islay and its marine life. For those fishers amongst you can book fishing trips and those with a more daring disposition you can arrange to go diving and view some of the 97 wrecks off the coast off Islay.

Whisky Distillery Tours

No trip to Islay would be complete without visiting at least one of their eight prestigious whisky distilleries. This unique island produces some of the strongest flavoured Single Malt Whiskies in Scotland.

The Museum Of Islay Life

This quaint little church house in Port Charlotte many items reflecting the history of Islay with around 2,000 objects from a variety of subjects. The Museum of Islay Life exhibits items from Mesolithic times to recent including artefacts found from archaeological investigations and rooms displaying how the inside of a croft would have once looked.

Islay Beaches

You come to an island and you expect a beach or at least the sea! The Islay coastline spans 130 miles and hosts some the worlds most scenic beaches. Here you can also observe some of Islay’s wildlife including seals, and many species of bird. For some wild swimming you can choose from the following safest beaches to take a dip if you dare!: Laggan Bay, Loch Gruinart and Loch Indaal.

The Isle of Jura

If you fancy a trip across the water it is a skip, hop and a jump where you can visit the equally stunning Isle of Jura, Islay’s neighbouring island. Simply board the ferry for a 15 minute crossing that separates the two islands and prepare to be wowed! People on this island are outnumbered by deer, with only 180 of the two-legged variety and 5,000 of the four-legged!

Whatever you choose to do, rest assured that here at Islay Cottages you can return to the most relaxing and cosy accommodation in one of our cottages or our stunning Georgian Kilchoman house. You will not want to leave! Find more great things to do during your stay with our Islay Guide.

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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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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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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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