•  Islay, Argyll

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In 1887, John Bartholomew's Gazetteer of the British Isles described Islay like this:

Islay, island, Argyllshire, 13 miles W. of Kintyre and on S. side of Sound of Islay, by which it is separated from Jura; greatest length, 25 miles; greatest breadth, 19 miles; area, 150,355 ac.; pop. 7559; P.O., T.O. (at Bowmore, Bridgend, Port Ellen, Portaskaig); 2 Banks (at Bridgend and Port Ellen). ...

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Islay is the most southern and, except Skye, the largest island of the Inner Hebrides. Loch-in-Daal, on the S., and Loch Gruinnard, on the N., convert the W. portion into a great peninsula; the coast is generally low; the interior is not mountainous. A considerable portion of the surface is occupied by peat; nevertheless, Islay is the richest and most productive island of the Hebrides. Agriculture has of late years made vast progress, and great attention is given to dairy farming and the rearing of cattle and sheep. The farms are generally large. The only industry not connected with the land is distilling. There are 9 distilleries. There is regular steamboat communication with Glasgow. There are harbours, with quay or pier, at Portaskaig, Sound of Islay; Port Ellen, SE. coast; Bowmore and Port Charlotte, Loch-in-Daal; and Portnahaven, SW. coast of island, near Rhynns Point. There are lighthouses on Rudha Mhail, N. point of island; Macarthur Head, S. end of Islay Sound; Oversay island, Rhynns of Islay; Dun Point, Port Charlotte; and Carraig Fada Point, Port Ellen. The island is divided into the 3 pars. of Killarrow and Killmeny, Kilchoman, and Kildalton. Islay was long in possession of the Scandinavians; it became the principal residence of the Macdonalds, Lords of the Isles; and it passed, early in the 17th century, to the Campbells.

Islay through time

Islay is now part of Argyll and Bute district. Click here for graphs and data of how Argyll and Bute has changed over two centuries. For statistics about Islay itself, go to Units and Statistics.

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