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Text only screen reader version of :
ABOUT ISLAY Link to map
The island is a diamond shaped jewel located just off the west coast of Scotland. Known as the “ Queen of the Hebrides “ and steeped in romantic history, the island of Islay offers the perfect location to relax, unwind and enjoy some of the many activities and spectacular scenery to be found in this unique corner of the British Isles.
You will find our winter climate mild by Scottish standards, never too extreme, as Islay benefits from the warm waters of the Gulf Stream and you may experience some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets found anywhere
Enjoy the wide unspoilt machirs with their miles of sandy beaches; the vast heather moorlands, home to numerous species of wild life and fauna, the attractive white washed villages that hug the extensive coastline or simply experience the atmosphere that is part of Islay’s heritage – “ Islay and its goodbye to care “
This is one of those special places, which has outstanding appeal. With pure clean air, unspoilt water and spectacular scenery it is an ideal destination for those just wishing to escape from everyday life.
We offer the hill-walker a splendid choice of excursions; it is internationally famous for its numerous species of bird life; the immensely challenging 18 hole links course at Machrie will test the best of golfers and of course there are the wonderful beaches washed clean by the relentless Atlantic surf.
The landscape is full of poignant reminders of the island’s past, from the enigmatic standing stones and cairns of antiquity, the ruined castles with their history of bloody battles fought, to the shepherds cottages abandoned within living memory.
On the west side of the island, the sea rollers surge relentlessly, reminders of the power of nature. Islay’s weather can be over powering, whether in the full blow of a winter storm or in the amazing shimmering light of Loch Indaal on a long hot clear summers day.
The seven working distilleries on the island are very pleased to welcome visitors throughout the year with many offering a complimentary dram….
Whatever the weather and whatever the time of year – the isolation is invigorating and refreshing…. and addictive.
ACTIVITIES : New for 2008 'Escape to the Edge'- click here!
Whether your interests are with the island’s beautiful natural environment, the vast numbers of birds and wildlife or the world’s finest single malt whiskies, The Harbour Inn is the ideal base from which to explore this fine island.
There are many locations of historic interest, some dating back to the Iron Age and others relating to the turbulent times in Scottish history when the “ Lord of the Isles “ were engaged in contesting ownership of western Scotland. Interesting visits may include the Museum of Islay Life located in the picturesque conservation village of Port Charlotte where you will also find the Wildlife Field Centre. At the Woollen Mill, near Bridgend, visitors and see an original working mill in action.
Islay is a bird watchers paradise be it the barnacle geese or the elusive corncrake to name bur two. Guided bird watching tours can be arranged.
We can also arrange; fly (salmon and trout ) and sea fishing , pony trekking, clay pigeon shooting, stalking, island tours and distillery visits (and why not try your hand at peat-cutting as well)
Golf can be arranged on the island’s challenging 18 hole championship links course at Machrie.
All our residents have free use of the local leisure Centre, situated 100 metres from the Harbour Inn hotel featuring heated swimming pool, gym, sauna and sunbed.
Day trips include a visit to the neighbouring island of Jura where red deer roam in their thousands. And of course there are the seven working distilleries who welcome visitors with a complimentary dram…..
NEW this year… Escape to the Edge… in conjunction with Islay Birding, an internationally successful environmental bushcraft organisation, we are able to offer a fun and effective personal and team development service. Our programme of activities is tailor made to suit both the corporate and “ weekend away “ markets. We will give you the opportunity of having fond memories with friends and colleagues while at the same time experiencing A Taste Of Islay. For further information contact Core Solutions at : info@harbour-inn.com
Heron and Oyster Catcher – Weekly Rental
All prices are in Pounds Sterling _ The prices are ONLY accurate for year 2006 and are subject to change without notice. Please confirm pricing at time of booking.
First price is for HERON Sleeping 4 (ground floor) - Second Price for OYSTER CATCHER Sleeping 6 (upper floor)
We offer a choice of four stylishly refurbished bedrooms, all named after a small selection of birdlife which often frequent our shores namely:
Kittiwake |
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| Sandpiper | |
| Oyster Catcher | |
| Heron |
All our bedrooms are en-suite and offer hospitality tray, hairdryer, thick soft towels, Satelite TV and those thoughtful little touches to make our guests feel at home.
Kittiewake Double |
en-suite shower room. Standard 4ft 6”
bed. Located on the ground floor at the rear of the property. |
Room Rate £115 |
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Sandpiper Double |
en-suite shower room. Standard 4ft 6” bed. Located on the ground floor with full sea views. |
Room Rate £125 |
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Oystercatcher Double/Twin |
King size double bed (6ft), convertible to a twin bedded room with en-suite bath and shower room. Located on the 1st floor with full sea views.
Fully sprung sofa bed converts to offer Family accommodation. Room Rate on Request. |
Room Rate £145 |
|
Heron Double |
King size double bed (6ft), convertible to a twin bedded room with en-suite bath and shower room. Located on the 1st floor with full sea views. |
Room Rate £145 |
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During off-peak times stays of less than week can be arranged with a minimum stay of three nights required. Rental would be pro-rata of the normal weekly rental.
BY FERRY
Caledonian Macbrayne operate the two hour crossing from Kennacraig, on the northern end of the Mull of Kintyre, which runs twice daily throughout the year with additional sailings during the summer months.
For details of timetable and to make bookings telephone any of the following numbers:
+44 (0) 1990 650100 (Gourock)
+44 (0) 1880 730253 (Kennacraig)
Book online www.calmac.co.uk
By AIr
British Airways run a scheduled 35 minute service Monday to Saturday from Glasgow International Airport.
For details of timetable and to make bookings telephone any of the following numbers;
+44 (0) 8708 509850 (BA)
+44 (0) 1496 302022 (Islay Airport)
Book online www.ba.com
Bowmore is virtually in the centre of the island and very easy to reach from both ferry terminals – Port Askaig and Port Ellen - and Islay Airport.
The Harbour Inn is located on The Square at the bottom of Main Street, the road leading down from the famous Round Church
CAR HIRE
Available from D & N Mackenzie Tel/Fax +44 (0) 1496 302300/302324
Final Words and FAQ
The Inns over by Self catering holiday cottages in Bowmore on the isle of Islay is an ideal accommodation base for touring the this wonderful Scottish island in the Highlands of Scotland. Islay forms part of the Inner Hebrides.
Although the flats are luxury lodgings its possible that we can offer late deals for last minute bookings. Whisky weekends usually run in the winter season and birding and birdspotting in general is catered for with guided birdwatching tours wher Islay birds are dicovered with the help of a ornithology expert.
Golf club on Islay is here and the airport is at Port Ellen
Bed and breakfast or B&B is also available on the island.
Link to Islay bed and breakfast accommodation
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The Inns over-by Self Catering Accommodation, Bowmore in the Scottish Islands and Highlands
