Think of Islay and you may well think of Scotch Whisky. The truth is that Scotch Whisky is very important to the island, but looking further, Islay has much more to offer visitors.
Arriving by sea you first step ashore at the ferry terminal in the little village of Port Ellen famous for its distilleries. Ardbeg and Lagavulin are open all year for tours and you may just be tempted to try the taste test. Near to Ardbeg you can find the 9th Century Kildalton Cross and Chapel.
Moving on to Bowmore on the shores of Loch Indaal and another distillery. Also in Bowmore is one of only two round churches in Scotland, built that way to prevent the devil from hiding in any corners.
Near Bridgend, sitting at the head of Loch Indaal is an Iron age Fort, Dun Nosebridge. Regarded as one of the most unusual forts in Scotland this fort is of an unknown age.
Round to Port Charlotte and the home of the Museum of Island Life where you can track the history of the island and its inhabitants.
The Islay Natural History Trust can also be found in Port Charlotte.
Port Askaig on Islay's eastern coast is home to Bunnahabhain Distillery another of the island's world famous brands and the Caol Ila Distillery Visitor Centre, ideal for tours and tasting.
To the north is Loch Gruinart and Islay's main reserve for Barnacle Geese and White Fronted Geese who reach Islay after flying in from Greenland.

Over the water to Jura "Deer Island", and you enter onto a mountainous, natural island, home to a vast range of wildlife from red deer to birds of prey. Plenty to keep the nature lover and walker happy.
Craighouse is home to Jura Church which is over 200 hundred years old. There is also a distillery located at Craighouse.
The Corryvreckan Whirlpool is a popular attraction and can be found in the north of the island.

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