Islay Sound and Port Ellen

The anchor was raised at 09-05, after a comfortable night despite the near gale, and by 09-45 we had cleared the entrance to Loch Tarbert having taken advantage of the much improved weather to take several photo's.

The boats log records the wind as a 'flat calm' which surprised us after the howler the night before! As we entered Islay Sound the boat accelerated steadily, reaching a maximum over the ground of 9.3Kts.

The 'Paps of Jura' from Islay Sound.

Islay seems to be the epicentre of whiskey distilling, as we passed through the sound, and then south to Port Ellen we noted at least six distilleries proudly displaying their names on the seaward facing walls.

Bunnahabhain Distillery in Islay Sound.

When we arrived at Port Ellen, the small marina was full, so we headed over to the other side of the bay, and anchored off the beach - one of the interesting aspects of this area is the very small tidal range ( LW 0.4m, HW 0.8m for the day ) which makes anchoring very easy.

Anchored off the beach.

Port Ellen Harbour from the anchorage.

The intention had been to spend a couple of days at Port Ellen, but with 'no room at the Inn' and the tide fair to round the Mull of Kintyre the next day we decided to note Islay for a future visit, and head off to Campbeltown on the east facing side of the Kintyre peninsular.