Port Ellen, Islay – Scotland
Magnificent sailing and stunning weather, bright skies, good wind and calm seas – what more could we wish for! It was actually a shame that it was only a 30 mile sail from the Irish Coast, would have been happy out there all day.
Both quite excited to be travelling to and exploring Scotland. A rough plan we have (as always subject to change) to sail to the Hebrides and then back down and transit the Caledonian Canal to the east coast.
First stop in Scotland Port Ellen on the Isle of Islay famous for its many Whisky distilleries with characteristic peaty single malts. The island is 40 kilometres long and 24 kilometres wide and home to a population of around 3,000. With agriculture, whisky and Tourism being it’s main means of business.
To ensure we did the famous produce its due we diligently cycled our way to visit 4 of the 11 whisky distilleries on the island, and Phil being ever so cultural ensured he had a good taste of all on offer at each of those…and still managed to stay up right on the bike going home. You may have heard of some of those we visited; Bruichladdich (whisky & gin), Laphroaig, Lagavulin & Ardbeg.
An absolute treat on our first night in the marina (by marina I mean pontoon jetty – no other facilities) was when a gentleman on a boat two berths away came out and stood on his bow and played the bagpipes – magic!! Video below.
Red Roo 
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