Islay - anyone been?

[Emma S]

Hi folks,

I'm off to Islay soon for a week wildlife watching, and I was wondering if anyone has been there and knows of good spots for wildlife - I'd love to see eagles if poss, hen harriers, and otters - but anything would be good!

Anyone got any suggestions? Thanks.

[ronsteenvoorden]

Hi Emma,

Islay is great, been there four times and almost any place on the island is good for wildlife, but specially the coastal area's, Loch Gruinart, Loch Indaal, the Rhinns and the Oa. If you go for a week you might even try to visit Jura, good change for Eagles as well.


Try Islayinfo website, there is a lot of info about Islay and also try this page, that's the site from Malcolm Ogilvie with tips for the best bird watching spots on Islay. I forgot, here is another Islay Widlife link

Enjoy your stay

[Emma S]

Hi ronsteenvoorden,

Thanks for your post, and the info. The link to the map of birdwatching spots is really useful, thanks.

I'm really looking forwards to going - just hope this rain eases up a bit first!

[eigg head]

If you fancy a good hike try to get to the north east corner - Rhuvaal lighthouse - the northern coast here is magnificent - beaches, rock arches, raised beaches, the biggest piles of driftwood in Britain, grassy meadows, great herds of red deer, adders, and lots of big juicy ticks! Although there's no road, the lighthouse cottages are lived in so you might get a cup of tea too.

The Oa is excellent - choughs, short eared owl, wild goats, etc. From Kintra explore the northern coast towards the soldier rock - a large sea stack off the cliffs.

Plenty of hen harriers, often seen swooping close to the car window if you take the inland road between Port Ellen and Bowmore.

Seals at Portnahaven are guaranteed.

Found a near perfect dead sperm whale washed up on the west coast a few years ago, and locals said there was another hidden away in nearby rocks.

Good wildlife centre/library at Port Charlotte.

[Emma S]

Thanks Eigghead, that's really very useful info. I'll print this page to take!

Just need the rain to ease up now!