Islay represents the southern extreme of the Inner Hebrides. Once the ancient home of the Lord of the Isles, who ruled the Hebrides from two islets on Loch Finlaggan, Islay has always been popular with archaeologists and historians. Today the island is perhaps better known for its distinctive malt whiskies, its sandy beaches and its diverse birdlife. While we are here we visit the Bowmore Distillery, the oldest distillery on the island, and Loch Gruinart RSPB Nature Reserve where hopefully we have the opportunity to see many bird species.

To the north-east is Islay’s neighbour Jura, an untamed and rather mysterious island with just 200 human inhabitants, dominated by the “Paps of Jura”. The northern end of the island was home to George Orwell, where he wrote his masterpiece “1984”.

Completing our trio of islands we offer an optional excursion to Colonsay, with its glorious beaches and a superb woodland garden, famous for its outstanding collection of rhododendrons.

We are based at the comfortable Port Askaig Hotel, which has a superb location overlooking the harbour. Locally sourced seafood and meat features on the menu and the cosy bar stocks a full range of Islay malts.