Category: Islands

Where to find Bluebells in Islay

Where to find Bluebells in Islay

Before I lived in Scotland, I didn’t know what a bluebell was. For Americans, bluebells in Scotland (or even bluebells in Islay) wasn’t a thing you knew about. Blue Bell is an American brand of ice cream, which evokes happy memories. On this side of…

Kilchoman tastings during Fèis Ìle 2021

Kilchoman tastings during Fèis Ìle 2021

I was delighted when Kilchoman Distillery invited me to join along in some Kilchoman tastings during Feis Ile 2021. But before I begin, for those new to Islay or whisky festivals, what is Feis Ile? And for those who appreciate my pronunciation guides – a…

Colonsay – your small island getaway

Colonsay – your small island getaway

Scotland may not be known for their islands, they’re wee in size and sometimes off the beaten path, but there’s so much to do if you have the time. Recently, I took a short day trip to Colonsay, with full expectations of returning again in…

My Three Distilleries Path Adventure, with Scotch Malt Whisky Society

My Three Distilleries Path Adventure, with Scotch Malt Whisky Society

I’m so happy to be able to share my review of the SMWS April Tasting Pack, that I tasted while walking the Three Distilleries Path on Islay! Most people don’t know this yet, but I’ve recently made the Isle of Islay my principle place of…

Glenegedale House – 5 glorious nights in luxury

Glenegedale House – 5 glorious nights in luxury

Sometimes the lure of lush hospitality is too great to ignore. The first time I visited Islay, Scotland’s glorious whisky island, I spent 5 delicious nights at Glenegedale House. Now that I own a place on this delightful island, I’ve also done a wee staycation…

Two wonderfully delicious nights at the Port Charlotte Hotel Islay

Two wonderfully delicious nights at the Port Charlotte Hotel Islay

My first time visiting Islay, the Queen of the Hebrides, was in August 2020 after the first covid lockdown lifted. And I stayed for about a week. My time on Scotland’s famous whisky island was absolutely wonderful, so wonderful that I moved to Islay in…

For the love of Puffins, with Bryan Millar Walker

For the love of Puffins, with Bryan Millar Walker

I first became acquainted with Bryan Millar Walker and Distinct.Scotland through Instagram. I have an insanely good memory for silly and useless things, so don’t ask me why I remember this story. I was in Yangon last year, and posting to my Instagram stories. Through…

Visit Islay for the Scotch, Stay for Everything Else

Visit Islay for the Scotch, Stay for Everything Else

Islay whisky is famous for their peatiness. The island, pronounced EYE-lah, is home to 9 active distilleries, and… me! In March 2021, I bought a wee flat on Islay and made it my little sanctuary. So, maybe you could call me an expert on the…

Day Trip to the Orkney Islands

Day Trip to the Orkney Islands

When in the North Highlands, or driving the NC 500, one thing to do is a day trip to Orkney Islands.  For those who don’t know, the Orkney Islands is an archipelago comprising of 70 islands, 8 km off the coast from John o’Groats.  You…

Three Chimneys on Skye: Delicious Tastes of the Land and Sea

Three Chimneys on Skye: Delicious Tastes of the Land and Sea

There are some phenomenal restaurants on the Isle of Skye.  For example, Michelin-starred Lochbay Restaurant is supposed to be wonderful, as is the Kinloch Lodge, located on the Southeast side of Skye.  I didn’t get a chance to eat at either of those restaurants.  But…