| Most people visit Islay during the Summer months, which is a shame because they miss so much of the special nature of the island. No one comes to Islay summer or winter for a "beach" holiday - sun, sand and sangria - and the major attractions of the island; the distilleries, the wild life, the walks, the stunning scenery and the people are here throughout the year. |
 A frosty morning in December 2002 at Tigh Cargaman |
| Indeed in winter the wild life is even more visible and prolific, not least because of the 36,000 Barnacle Geese that descend on the island in October and stay through until March. They are indescribably stunning and it is worth a winter visit for the geese alone. Not only that but Islay is midge-free in the winter! |
Machir Bay, February 2003 | Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Islay has a temperate climate and the temperature rarely falls much below freezing in winter. Snow is relatively rare compared with mainland Scotland and disappears quickly, and whilst it is often wet and windy the weather changes by the minute, and by the mile so when it rains in Bowmore it is often sunny in Port Ellen. |
Islay in winter is magical! |
| From the beginning of November 2005 until 1st April 2006 we are offering short stay winter breaks in our cottages, except over Christmas and New Year. Short breaks can be for as long as you like and start and finish on any day of the week rather than our normal Saturday to Saturday. | 
Sunset over Kilnaughton Bay, December 2002 |
For a short break in Stables
or Old Cottages, which each sleep 4 adults, we
charge a flat fee of £60 plus £30 per night, so a one night stay will cost
£90, a 2 night stay £120 and a 3 night stay £150. This compares with the standard 7 night winter tariff of £245. |
In Garden Cottage, which sleeps 2 adults, the flat rate is £25 plus £25 per night; so for one night the fee is £50, 2 nights £75, and 3 nights £100. |
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In addition, for stays longer than a week we offer special discounts; please enquire. |
If you are planning a winter visit to Islay, don't forget to check the ferry times or your flights. |
