ISLAY

The most southerly of the Hebrides and second biggest of Argyll's Atlantic Islands at 40km(25miles) N to S and 32km(20miles) E to W. The island literally teems with birdlife: over 100 species breed on the island, and tens of thousands of geese overwinter here. There are several RSPB reserves, National Nature Reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest on the island. The ancestral home of the Lords of the Isles, Islay is home to the beautiful Kildalton Cross, one of the finest Celtic crosses in Scotland. Its chief industries are farming, fishing and tourism but the island is world-famous for its distinctive whiskies. Access by ferry from Kennacraig and by air from Glasgow.

JURA

The third largest of Argyll's Atlantic Islands, 45km(28miles) long and 13km(8miles) wide, and one of the least developed. In marked contrast to neighbouring Islay, it is very mountainous: the famous Paps of Jura rise to 784m(2,572ft). Much of the northern end and entire west coast is wilderness, with no roads and few paths. Jura is famed for its deer, which roam freely across the island. George Orwell wrote 1984 on Jura and, to keep up with its neighbour, Islay there is a distillery at Craighouse. Access by ferry from Port Askaig, Islay.

COLONSAY

Lies 13km(8miles) off the coast of Jura and covers 42km². The island may have been named after St.Columba, who is rumoured to have stopped there en route to Iona from Ireland. It is an important habitat for corncrakes, wading birds, and an especially vital stronghold of the chough, a member of the crow family, which is now rare in Scotland. Feral goats, descendants of a herd once kept for milk, roam across the island although legend has it that the goats are descended from the survivors of the wreck of the Spanish Armada in 1588! Access by ferry from Oban and Kennacraig in Kintyre.

ORONSAY

Accessible only at low tide from neighbouring Colonsay, via a tidal stretch known as The Strand. Practically uninhabited, it is a haven for wildlife, especially birds. The island is also an archaeological treasure trove: the 14th century Augustinian Priory commissioned by the Lords of the Isles is one of the most remarkable and best-preserved pre-Reformation churches in Scotland.

GIGHA

A small fertile island just off the coast of Kintyre. The first community owned island, Gigha is rich in local folklore and has several local legends, including its own water-monster! Washed by the warm Gulf Stream waters, the island supports some spectacular plant life including many subtropical species, which can be seen at the world famous Achamore Gardens.

WILDLIFE

Isle of Islay

Islay Birding & Bushcraft, Port Charlottle
A fun way to learn about nature and wildlife and even learn some survival techniques.

RSPB - Loch Gruinart, by Bridgend
A world famous bird-watching habitat.

Islay Marine Charters, Bridgend
Scenic wildlife cruises.

Islay Natural History Trust Visitor Centre
Informative photographic and interactive exhibits on Islay's natural history.

Islay Stalking, Port Charlotte
Turn gamekeeper for the day.

Isle of Jura

Exploration Jura
Fascinating journeys of discovery on this uniquely wild and unspoiled island.

Red deer
The name Jura comes from the Norse words meaning 'Deer Island' and today there are more than 6,500 deer on the island.

Corryvreckan Whirlpool
One of the largest whirlpools in the world, frequently heard from over ten miles away.

Isles of Colonsay & Oronsay

Feral Goats
Wild goats descended from the survivors of the wreck of the Spanish Armada.

Birds
Almost 200 species of birds are recognised on these islands.

Flora
For the botanist there are 500 species of local flora recorded.

CULTURE

Isle of Islay

Distilleries
Peat, cut from the mosslands gives the unique flavour to the 'Islay malts'.

Museum of Islay Life, Port Charlotte
Aspects of Islay life through the ages.

Finlaggan Trust, Ballygrant
Ruins of the medieval centre of the Lordship of the Isles with visitor centre nearby.

Islay Woollen Mill
A working mill where the tartan for the film 'Braveheart' was woven.

Isle of Jura

Jura House Walled Garden, Ardfin
Listed organic walled garden.

Isle of Colonsay

Colonsay House Gardens
Considered to be one of the finest rhododendron gardens in Scotland.

Isle of Gigha

Achamore Gardens
This 'jewel in the crown' of Gigha is owned and managed by the Isle of Gigha Trust and is home to the Horlicks plant collection.

HERITAGE

Isle of Islay

The Columba Centre, Bowmore
Learn about Gaelic, culture and Highland heritage.

Dun Nosebridge, Bridgend
Regarded as one of the most unusual Iron age forts in Scotland.

Dunyvaig Castle, Lagavullin
Ruined stronghold of the MacDonalds, Lords of the Isles.

Cultoon Stone Circle, Portnahaven
An ancient site with stones still standing.

Isle of Jura

Clag Castle
Ruin of a 12th century castle on the small island of Am Fraoch Eilean just off Jura.

Isle of Gigha

Gigha and Cara Parish Church
Located on the 'Hill of Music' this church was constructed from the black whinstone of the previous church & completed in 1923.

SPIRITUAL/MAGIC

Isle of Islay

Round Church, Bowmore
One of only two round churches in Scotland. Folklore suggests the circular design was there so the Devil had no corner to hide in.

Kildalton Cross & Chapel, Ardbeg
The only surviving complete Celtic High Cross in Scotland.

Isle of Jura

Jura Church
Built in 1766 following the Christian movement of the Dalriads to Scotland.

Isle of Oronsay

Augustinian Priory
See ancient relics of a monastic settlement.