An Iodhlann
An Iodhlann is the name given to the historical centre situated in Scarinish on the Isle of Tiree and the place where you will find all manner of interesting artefacts relating to the island. The centre was established in 1995 and now boasts an amazing 15,000 items of interest in its ever expanding collection including stories, books, poems, maps, voice recordings, photographs, letters, historical records and other artefacts. An Iodhlann gives a truly fascinating insight into life on the island of Tiree. Open year long the curators of the collection at An Iodhlann welcome any snippet or relic from the past that people are willing to share.
Oronsay
Oronsay or Orasaigh as it is called in Gaelic is a small tidal island just off the south of Colonsay in the Inner Hebrides. It is probably best known for the ruined 14th century ruined priory called Oronsay Priory. Here you can see an array of beautifully carved stones for which the island was well known for a time. However it is also hugely important in terms of nature and wildlife and is home to 50 colonies of the only native bumble bee in Britain. This is a fantastic setting to see and hear a range of unusual birds such as Corncrakes and Golden Eagles and there is also a small island off Oronsay known as Seal Island which is home to a number of breeding seal colonies.
Tiree - Windsufing
The tiny island of Tiree in the Inner Hebrides has gained a reputation as being the premier destination for windsurfing in Scotland. Not only is it the windiest and allegedly sunniest spot in Scotland it is also the westernmost island of the Inner Hebrides making it the ideal location to embrace the swell that comes in off the Atlantic.
Breachacha castle
Breachacha castle, on the Inner Hebridean island of Coll, sits on the shore of Loch Breachacha and formed part of the defences of the Lordship of the Isles and is a good example of a medieval fortress. Hector MacLean constructed a new castle close by in 1750. According to folklore the Macleans of Coll and the Macleans of Duart fought a bloody battle in 1593 that left the burn flowing into Loch Breachacha full of bloody decapitated Duart heads. Since then, the burn has been called Struthan nan Ceann (Stream of the Heads).
Islay festival
Islay Festival runs from 23rd - 31st May. Featuring a variety of concerts, ceilidhs, Gaelic lessons, distillery open days, guided walks and sporting events.
Kilmartin Glen Burial Chamber
Kilmartin Glen in the middle of Argyll is of staggering archaeological importance. Within the radius of a mere six miles over 350 historical monuments, cairns, stones and stone circles have been discovered. One such find was the Kilmartin Glen Burial Chamber which is situated north of Lochgilphead and south of Oban and forms one of five burial cairns that create a linear cemetery across three miles of the landscape.
Lorne Highland Games, Oban
A great day out for all the family the Lorne Highland Games are known locally as the People's Games. Held annually in Oban, the main centre of population in Argyll and Bute. These are a fine example of the age old Highland Games held throughout the country and indeed worldwide. Here you will have a chance to either participate or enjoy being a spectator and witness the classic events such as tossing the caber, Highland dancing, track and field events,piping, tug-o-war and there's sure to be a great selection of local produce to sample.
Colonsay - Kiloran Bay
Colonsay lies in the very centre of the Inner Hebrides. Exposed on the west coast to the full effects of relentless Atlantic ocean its landscape is typical of any Hebridean island with numerous caves and cliffs interspersed with pockets of sandy machair. It is this rich and fertile machair that enables the island to home such an interesting selection of flora and fauna. Although the west coast of the island is so exposed the middle part of the island is exceptionally sheltered, offering a sub-tropical climate in which these plants in particular thrive. The island has a population of a little over 100 and is not served daily by ferry although the recently opened airport runs a twice daily service to Oban on the mainland.
Castle Stalker
Castle Stalker stands proudly on a tiny tidal island in the middle of Loch Laich, an inlet off Loch Linnhe. It is thought to be one of the best-preserved medieval tower-houses surviving in western Scotland. The castle is just about accessible from the shore at low tide. Castle Stalker or Caisteal Stalcaire as it is known in Gaelic was originally a small fort built by the MacDougalls when they had the title Lords of Lorn . The name "Stalker" comes from the Gaelic Stalcaire, meaning "hunter". The original building dates back to 1320 and eventually came to be owned by the Campbells. However, in more recent times it was privately owned by the Allward family who still own it. Although privately owned the owners do run a limited run of tours of the castle which must be pre-booked.
Bonawe Iron Furnace
Bonawe is the largest and best preserved charcoal blast furnace in the country. In its heyday this was a massive enterprise, with two tons of pig iron a day being made, many men working at the furnace and 600 more people being employed making charcoal in the surrounding oakwoods. Set in stunning surroundings at the head of Loch Etive.
Isle of Jura Distillery
The Isle of Jura distillery was built by the Campbell family around 1810 and re-built in 1884. However early in the next century the building became unused and were eventually ruined. Around 1950 a number of locals got together and had the idea to restart the distillery with the main aim of creating employment for the islanders. The new distillery was built on the exact site as the old one and indeed using some of the old ruined buildings. Eventually in 1963 the distillery finally opened again to the public and in so doing provided much need jobs for the islanders of Jura.
