Everything was to a good standard, the beds were comfortable and the wi-fi connection was more than adequate for such a remote location (we didn’t use the TV/DVD). The living room and kitchen area is perfect for relaxing in the evenings, and you’ll be amazed at the quiet ! If your idea of the perfect holiday is getting out into the wilds and exploring miles of unspoilt beauty, this is the place for you. I am certain it is popular with walkers, but you can also do many exciting trips by car (which you’ll need anyway to get around !). Some of the roads do get a bit funky in places, and it’s largely single track with passing places, but you soon get used to this, and the courtesy between drivers is generally a joy to experience.

The Kilchoman cottages are near three absolutely stunning beaches, all within 4/5 miles: Machir Bay, Saligo Bay and Sanaigmore, it was impossible to choose between them, but we visited each one at least twice. Perhaps the most scenic beaches we’ve ever seen, with beautiful rock formations, white sand and totally unspoilt (and indeed generally deserted !)

There’s also the possibility to take a day trip over to the nearby island of Jura, the famous `paps’ (mountains) add a stunning back drop to so many places on Islay. It is a photographer’s dream. Life is simpler here, and in many ways it had not changed at all for me since 1972 ! A lifetime dream fulfilled to come back here, and I wasn’t disappointed ! We were very very lucky with the weather, which does help, and on a good day I wouldn’t hesitate to call it paradise.

Handy hints: Take plenty of basic provisions with you, but the Co-op in Bowmore is up to modern standards for most of your needs, we only needed a couple of trips there to restock in two weeks. If you’re big on nightlife and bustle, give it a miss…but if you love nature, beauty and fresh air….it can’t be beaten.

A group of us had the big house and then two families also took two of the cottages in the grounds. I have been to Islay many times before but never stayed with such a large group so was anxious that everything would be great for everyone, and it was.

Gillian very kindly answered all my questions up front, and made sure that the accommodation was spotless on arrival. The grounds are huge and the children in the group happily played football, rugby and cricket for hours. We spent many happy hours in the dining room and the living room, both large enough for us.

The location could not be better. Remote, beautiful and peaceful.

I’d recommend staying here to anyone.

If you plan a large group please book restaurants and activities ahead to make sure you aren’t disappointed. We went on whisky and gin tours, boat trips, visited beautiful beaches, went clay pigeon shooting and painted pottery. Definitely a highlight of my 50th year