Overview

Islay is the most southerly of the Inner Hebrides and, unlike most of the other islands, has extensive, fertile farmland providing good feeding for the tens of thousands of wintering geese. Two large sea inlets, Loch Gruinart and Loch Indaal, offer sheltered feeding to dabbling and diving ducks and many waders. With the addition of numerous freshwater lochs, broadleaved and coniferous woodland, towering cliffs and sandy beaches, it is possible to see more than 100 species on a visit – or even in a day.

Birds

All three divers, Slavonian Grebe, Barnacle, Greenland White-fronted, Cackling, Pink-footed, Pale-bellied Brent and Greylag Geese, Scaup, Long-tailed Duck, Common Scoter, Golden Eagle, Hen Harrier, Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, Knot, Bar-tailed Godwit, Purple Sandpiper, European Golden Plover, Glaucous and Iceland Gulls, Barn Owl, Chough, Twite, Snow Bunting.

Travel

Islay can be reached from the mainland by car ferry or by air. The ferry crossing takes about two hours, runs two or three times daily from Kennacraig, near Tarbert, Kintyre, and is operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (tel: 0990 6500000; www.calmac.co.uk). Prior booking is advised. Kennacraig is about 100 miles from Glasgow along the A82 and A83. Air travel is once or twice daily from Glasgow Airport (tel: 0345 222111; www.british-airways.com). It is possible to hire cars (D & N Mackenzie, tel: 01496 303200) or bikes (Bowmore Bike Hire, tel: 01496 810366/653) on the island. Limited bus services connect the main villages, but not the remoter areas.

Bird news

The latest news on the RSPB’s Loch Gruinart reserve is posted in the visitor centre and the hide. Other information, including the whereabouts of scarce geese, is available at the Wildlife Information Centre or, if it is closed, from Malcolm Ogilvie (tel: 01496 850218). Birdline Scotland: for news call 09068 700234; to report sightings call 01292 611994.

Maps

OS Maps: Landranger 60, Explorer 352 and 353 (www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk).

Contacts

Islay recorder: Malcolm Ogilvie, Glencairn, Bruichladdich, Isle of Islay PA49 7UN (email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ). Please send all records for inclusion in the annual bird report, in any convenient form.

Accommodation

There is a wide range of accommodation available, including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs and self-catering, many of which are listed on www.islay.co.uk. Another source is the Scottish Tourist Board website at www.visitscottishheartlands.com/areas/argyll/index.cfm, or contact the local tourist information office (tel: 01496 810254).

Food and drink

Excellent local produce (venison, oysters, salmon, beef and lamb) is served in the hotel restaurants and at, for example, the Croft Kitchen, Port Charlotte. There are also Indian restaurants in Bowmore and Port Ellen.