Eight West End self-catering accommodation

08/04/2021

Over the last 23 years, it's been a real pleasure to provide holiday accommodation to so many people, some of whom have become good friends. There have been lots of changes - Islay has become an increasingly popular destination, and while in the early years we were happy to let a few weeks a year, demand now is all year round. We've seen families grow up, and new dogs galore. It's been fun, but it's time now to move on, and I am no longer taking new bookings. All current bookings will be honoured, Covid regulations permitting, but due to a happy change in family circumstances it's now time for 8 West End to become a family home again. A big thank you to everyone who has stayed with us over the years - you've been the best guests ever. Don't forget to say hello when you come back to Islay.

19/07/2020

Islay Taxis

Islay Taxis

Wee run around the middle of the island this weekend.
Bowmore Single Malt Whisky Bunnahabhain Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky Ardnahoe Ardbeg Lagavulin Laphroaig Bruichladdich Kilchoman Distillery Islay House Bridgend Hotel

20/06/2020

Following some robust debate on Facebook and a disturbing letter from a potential visitor in today's Ileach, I'd like to reassure all our booked guests that once the Scottish government has given approval, we fully intend to honour all possible bookings this season. There has been no 'joint decision' by all accommodation providers, and it is up to each individual how to proceed. The only thing likely to change at 8 West End is that we will not be able to offer early check in or late departure, due to the extra cleaning required between guests. We look forward to welcoming you back to Islay as soon as it is safe to do so.

17/06/2020

Islay Taxis

You can't visit right now, but you can still enjoy Islay 😎

Hope you enjoy this weeks virtual tour with islay taxis
This week we’re heading from uiskentuie to Ardnave point a must for anyone visiting islay. Wildlife and history is amazing in this part of the island. We have the RSPB Loch Gruinart reserve,Kilnave chapel and cross,
And Ardnave point at the end, all just miles apart. Checkout the info on the battle of Traigh Ghruineard on the islay blog by Arra Fletcher.
VisitScotland The Friends of the Classic Malts Laphroaig Bunnahabhain Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky Ardbeg Ardnahoe Bruichladdich Distillery Bowmore Single Malt Whisky RSPB Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve Lagavulin Caol Ila Kilchoman Distillery CalMac Ferries Loganair Kintyre Express

17/06/2020

Bruichladdich

After much deliberation, we have taken the decision that our Visitor Centre will remain closed for the foreseeable future.

"In advance of any potential easing to lockdown guidelines in Scotland over the coming weeks, we have decided that our Visitor Centre will remain closed to the public until further notice. We will continue to monitor the Covid-19 in Scotland, paying particular attention to the unique situation on Islay. We will review this decision in early September.

"We believe this is the right step in order to minimise the risk to our staff and the Islay community." - Bruichladdich Distillery Management Team

12/06/2020

CalMac Ferries

This week, the tourism industry was given clarity - allowing it to begin to prepare for the next stage in the easing of restrictions. CalMac is working with The Scottish Government and Transport Scotland to establish the next phase of our timetable – and as you know, our essential lifeline services will be in operation until at least 30 June 2020.

When some restrictions begin to lift in the near future, including those around tourism –- we’ll all still be managing risks around COVID19. The Scottish Government’s 2 metre physical distancing rules will still be in operation on our ferries. They dictate the number of passengers we can carry on a sailing.

Our capacity will continue to be dramatically constrained.

We’re working hard behind the scenes – and we’ll keep customers, including those who have previously booked with us, updated on arrangements.

COVID19 has changed day to day life and as we all work together to manage the ongoing risk, safety will come first.

Read our customer update in full, here: https://calm.ac/3cQVAVC

08/06/2020

Isle20 - Go island shopping

Did you know that South Islay Development have a shop on isle20? They have such a cool range of map-based merchandise, and some lovely cards - all of which would make great gifts!

https://www.isle20.com/market/southislay/

07/06/2020

Islay Taxis

Islay Taxis

Hello folks,
This weeks virtual taxi takes you from Bruichladdich to Portnahaven, but taking the the road round the west, and also a wee trip round Claddach. One of the nicest drives on the island.
On this route you’re passing the toothache stone, Kilchiaran farm steading,
Kilchiaran chapel and cup stone, tormisdale Croft crafts, Cultoon stone circle, heading around Claddach passing the site of the wave power, and Frenchman’s rocks, heading into Portnahaven seeing the lighthouse before finishing at the iconic OK corner.

Please remember to stay safe, Islay will hopefully be able to welcome visitors soon, but until we have the go ahead enjoy our virtual Islay taxis tours see you next Sunday,
ArdbegBruichladdich DistilleryBunnahabhain Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky Laphroaig Ardnahoe Lagavulin Caol Ila Bowmore Single Malt WhiskyKilchoman Distillery CalMac Ferries Loganair Kintyre Express VisitScotland

23/05/2020

Fèis Ìle

FESTIVAL PROGRAMME! Here's a quick picture guide letting you know where to find what! Keep an eye on this page for updates.

TODAY'S EVENTS
It's Bunnahabhain Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky Day - join them at 8pm on their page. Plus join Rachel from The Islay Whisky Academy starting things off at 7pm with whisky and stories - join in on Whisky Academy's page! Everything all

Wondering what to do during the day? Catch up with the amazing array of events from the Kilchoman Distillery Day! Click through to their FB page for tastings, Q&A's, interviews and more!

FAQ's

Q: I can't see anything live?
A: There might not be! We're still in lockdown in Scotland, so we're not live 100% of the time.

Q: Where are the events happening?
A: Check the programme, it lists where you will find each broadcast.

Q: Do I need to log in?
A: Only for Bowmore and Laphroaig's events, everything else is on Facebook, and Bruichladdich are on Instagram Live.

Q: Why isn't everything in one place?
A: With so many different partners and companies, it just wasn't possible to sort everything under one roof in this timescale.

Q: Where can I see everything?
A: Once we've got most things broadcast, we will be uploading everything to Youtube to make it easier for you to see. We'll let you know when this happens.

15/05/2020

Fèis Ìle: Good news for whisky lovers as Scotland's world famous festival moves online - The Sunday Post

Fèis Ìle: Good news for whisky lovers as Scotland's world famous festival moves online - The Sunday Post

Whisky lovers can rejoice, as Fèis Ìle - one of the world's most famous whisky festivals - is set to still go ahead online.

07/05/2020

Fèis Ìle

04/05/2020

Kilchoman Distillery

Kilchoman Distillery

JOIN US FOR ONLINE FEIS ILE – THURSDAY 28th MAY

12 noon (Islay Time) – BARLEY with General Manager, Islay
13.00 – MALTING with Maltman, Derek
14.00 – DISTILLING with Production Manager, Robin
15.00 – CASKS with Founder and MD, Anthony
16.00 – BOTTLING with Bottling Manager, Michal
⠀
17.00 – LIVE TASTING – GEORGE & PETER’S CORE RANGE (4 x 20ml packs available Tues 12th May- £19.99)
19.00 – LIVE TASTING – ANTHONY WILLS’ BARLEY AND YEAST (4 x 20ml packs available Tues 12th May- £25)
20.00 – LIVE TASTING – FEIS ILE RELEASE (bottles available Tues 12th May- £108)
20.30 – Q&A

Due to the cancellation of Feis Ile 2020, this years release is an online exclusive with just 2630 bottles available at cask strength (54.2%). This release is matured in ex-bourbon barrels for a minimum of 12 years.

The Feis Ile Release and Tasting Packs will be available from the Kilchoman website at 2pm on Tuesday 12th May.

For full details on what we have planned for our Feis Ile visit our website

https://kilchomandistillery.com/distillery-news/feil-ile-2020/?v=79cba1185463

* limited to two bottles per person and unfortunately we are currently unable to ship to the USA*

01/05/2020

We're looking forward to welcoming you all back some day, but for now we need you to stay at home. 💙

With the May Bank Holiday weekend approaching we would like to remind our customers that only essential travel is permitted. See link for advice from CalMac's Director of Operations, Robert Morrison's message; https://calm.ac/3cWwIfB

28/04/2020

Bruichladdich

ANNOUNCING THE LADDIE LOCK-IN!

Nothing can replace the Feis Ile celebrations we had planned for you this year, but we're going to give it our best try.

Save the date, look out your best whisky & a party dress and we'll be in touch with more details.

P.S. If you don't know what a lock-in is, there are varying degrees of acceptable answers across the interwebs that we shouldn't be condoning across official channels.

11/04/2020

A wee bit of cheer from Islay ❤🌈

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤍

Some happy photos this weekend, a wee bit of appreciation for the every one of you are appreciated by everyone here with this challenging time, stay safe everyone 🐑🌈⭐️
Feel free to share ☺

22/03/2020

...just for anyone needing a wee bit of Islay in their lives.

Any visitor to Islay in March has to be impressed with the numbers of Geese and boxing Hares. Some years ago I counted 68 Hares in one field and when I mentioned this to the crofter he said" Thats nothing there is usually over one hundred". He then qualified that by saying "I will have to thin them out" which I viewed with horror. This weeks gallery is the final one from our recent visit to Islay.Which in the present circumstances may have been the last for some time!
www,gordon-yates.com

22/03/2020

Like every other accommodation provider on the island, we are facing very difficult times as our guests are forced to cancel their bookings. I've been in touch with all guests intending to travel to Islay between now and the end of June and will review the situation in a couple of months. In the meantime it's important that everyone follows the very clear advice on non-essential travel and stays at home. Islay, like all island communities, has limited resources and limited health services. Most of us are going to catch Covid-19 at some point and if you become ill while you are here, you will be placing extra stress on these. We love you all and look forward to welcoming you back when it is safe to travel freely again. For now, please stay well, stay safe, stay home. Islay will always be here.

14/03/2020

Gordon Yates - Wildlife Photographer

This weeks blog photo was taken at Port Askaig and shows the fishing boats, Calmac ferry and on the right the Paps of Jura covered in the deep snowfall of last month. It is a perfect winter scene but would our visit to Jura produce the wildlife to match? It was exceptional and three hours later when we returned to Islay we had seen 7 Buzzards,4 Sea Eagles, 4 Hen Harriers, 3 Crossbills, 1 Merlin and 2 Otters. The Otters were two dog Otters that came together and fought for ten minutes before resting side by side in the sun!!
www.gordon-yates.com

06/03/2020

Bruichladdich Distillery

We've got 3 stunning new drams for you to try if you join us for a warehouse tasting! Adam and the shop team had a great morning selecting their favourites! Thanks to Mary "Queen of Scotch" for the photos.

Tours and tastings can be booked at https://www.bruichladdich.com/distillery-tours/

01/03/2020

Gordon Yates - Wildlife Photographer

A week on Islay with gales, rain and snow with very little sun. What we did not expect to see was two Red Deer stags that were still rutting. This is normally an autumn activity but these two stags remained together with regular interlocking of Antlers. There were no female Deer anywhere around to impress.More Islay photos in the gallery.
www.gordon-yates.com

27/02/2020

Due to a cancellation we now have the week of 16th - 23rd May available. There are also some dates free in March and April - you can check full availability here: www.holidayislay.scot 😎

16/02/2020

Islay has been experiencing some pretty stormy weather conditions over the last few weeks, but Calmac have been using every possible weather window to keep ferries sailing. 🛳
If you're bringing your car to Islay on holiday this year, remember to book well in advance.
calmac.co.uk

23/01/2020

Fèis Ìle

Save Your Date for 2021!!!

Please share and inform your friends and fellow Islay fans! Let them know from this point they are not allowed to: plan weddings, be at sporting events, be on holiday (other than Islay) and that their presence is requested for a week of whisky, merriment and Islay Culture.

Announcement over - go back to your lives (and plan for next year)! 😁

14/01/2020

Due to a cancellation we have two weeks dog friendly accommodation vacant 6th - 20th June. Storm Brendan should have passed by then! June is a lovely month to visit Islay, just get in touch if you'd like more details or see full info here: www.holidayislay.scot

17/11/2019

Gordon Yates - Wildlife Photographer

With an eight foot wingspan it is easy to see why the Sea Eagle is called the flying barn door. This winter on Islay adult and juvenile Sea-Eagles seem to be everywhere. It is rumoured that the two regular pairs have been joined by incomers from both Jura and Mull. All are now taking advantage of the abundance of Geese with visiting bird-watchers witnessing the striking and taking down of Geese. I wonder how long it will be before Islay becomes THE place to see Sea_Eagles instead of Mull?
October on Islay is the best time to see migrating Whooper Swans which look even better against the backdrop of Islay rainbows. The gallery also includes Fieldfares, Blackbird, Red Deer and even a Reed Bunting with multicoloured rainbow background.
ww.gordon-yates.com