Welcome to Islay

It is the welcome you get when you arrive home to Islay

Today the sun was shining.

The flight was beautiful treating us to a bird’s eye view of snow-capped mountains

turquoise seas, with fishing boats and then the ferry boat below. Passing the Isle of Jura and those majestic Paps, and then following along Islay’s south coast. The cabin crew preparing for landing. We were treated to an approach from the west. Flying first along the south coast of Islay, with commanding views of Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroaig Distilleries unfolding, then the bay of Port Ellen,  and around the rugged, wild cliffs of the Oa, the plane headed out across towards the Rhinns of Islay, before swooping low over the Big Strand to land at Islay’s Airport.

Arriving at the farm, the familiar welcome of ‘that view’ in the sunshine. The sweeping vista of the Sound of Islay and the Isle of Jura, the mainland ferry just making its way towards Port Askaig.

The sheep grazing along with the geese in the front field,

and then the kitties and Doughball the cat, miaow-ling at your heels as you walk along to the farmhouse door. The dogs came lolloping and bounding round from the garden, tails wagging profusely. My animals have missed me.

Later to sit at an open fire, feet up with an Islay dram, you cannot beat the warmth of an Islay welcome….

Until next time…