Property, Houses and Flats for Sale in Isle Of Islay, Scotland

Property for sale in Isle of Islay

The Isle of Islay is the most southerly of the islands of the Hebrides, and lies in Argyll and Bute. The island has a population of approximately 3,500 permanent residents and is just 20 miles wide and 25 miles long. Generations of inhabitants have left their mark on this island, dating back to the Vikings and proceeding through the feuds between the clans, the Clearances and the two world wars. The remnants of all these can be seen in the standing stones, forts, castles, deserted villages and the ruins. The Isle of Islay is primarily famous for its single malt whiskies, made in the island’s eight working distilleries. The island is also popular with bird watchers; of particular interest are the barnacle geese from Greenland. Islay also has beautiful beaches, impressive cliffs and natural landscapes, and many of the properties for sale on Isle of Islay benefit from having spectacular views. Local estate agents in Isle of Islay say the local residents refer to the island as ‘Queen of the Hebrides’, and the climate benefits from the warm Gulf Stream, bringing mild winters with little frost or snow, and summers that are not too hot. There is a good selection of property for sale in Isle of Islay, including Victorian houses, modern family homes, farm houses, large detached country houses in extensive grounds, traditional whitewashed cottages and maisonettes.

Amenities for properties in Isle of Islay

On Islay the main shopping centres are in Bowmore and Port Ellen, and most of the other villages also support a local store and post office. Families considering Isle of Islay property will discover that on the island there is a secondary school in Bowmore and primary schools in Port Askaig, Newton, Port Charlotte, Portnahaven, Port Ellen, Bowmore and Keills. Argyll College has a further education learning centre at Bowmore.

Bowmore is known as the capital of Islay and is home to just under 1,000 people. The village is formed around the shores of Loch Indaal and sweeps up to the famous Round Church which towers over the village. The village square is a popular meeting place and the village offers a range of shops for daily needs, including a supermarket and banks as well as hotels, restaurants, a leisure centre and the island’s hospital. The harbour has undergone recent improvements and is a sheltered base for mariners. Bowmore is perhaps most famous as being home to the oldest distillery on the island, established in 1779. There are excellent opportunities for sporting activities on the island such as walking, fishing, shooting and sailing. There is also golfing on the renowned 18 hole Machrie Golf Course near Port Ellen, the Islay Dive Centre and horse riding. Islay enjoys a rich cultural heritage which it celebrates in the form of Feis Ile, the annual festival of malt and music, a summer jazz festival and the Cantilena Festival of chamber music and art.

Transport for Isle of Islay

If you are searching for houses for sale in Isle of Islay, Caledonian Macbrayne operates a regular vehicle and passenger ferry service to Islay from Kennacraig on the Kintyre peninsula, with alternate sailings to Port Ellen and Port Askaig. By plane, there are three departures daily during the summer months (two during the winter months) from Glasgow International Airport to Islay Glenegedal Airport. Islay has a regular bus service that serves much of the island.

Surrounding areas

While searching for property to buy or property to rent in Isle of Islay, you may like to extend your search and explore neighbouring counties for property for sale in Isle of Mull, Isle of Skye and Isle of Jura.