With storm Babet behind us and storm Ciarán approaching you may think this would be a quieter time on Islay and Jura.
Well, don’t worry, there is still plenty going on!
We were lucky with storm Babet – it seemed to skirt round our islands quite nicely.. we wait and see with Ciarán. Of course this time of year brings with it the migrating birds – not least Islay’s famous barnacle geese who can be seen and heard on the fields and in the sky – it remains to be seen in what numbers they come and how that compares to last year.
In the meantime everyone is getting very busy with preparations for seasonal activities like Bonfire nights and Festive shopping fairs. So we thought we’d share a list of what’s on and where to help you make the most of your stay and help support local businesses and organisations.
What’s on
Saturday November 4: Bonfire and Firework display at Port Ellen Football Pitch (6.30pm) Tea/coffee/hot chocolate, cakes and sausage rolls. Please make a donation on the night.
Saturday November 11: Christmas shopping event at Ardnahoe Distillery 2pm to 6pm
Sunday November 12: Remembrance Service in Round Church Bowmore at 10.00am. This will be followed by a short service at the Commonwealth War Graves in Bowmore cemetery. Also in St. John’s Church Port Ellen at 11.30am which will be followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the War Memorial (pier) in Port Ellen at approx. 12.15pm. All welcome.
Saturday November 18: Photographer Mark Unsworth will be launching his book in the distillery shop – more details to follow. (The perfect opportunity to get a signed copy for yourself or as a gift)
Sunday November 19: Christmas shopping event at Bruichladdich Hall 11am to 4pm
Thursday November 23: Christmas shopping event at Laphroaig Distillery 10.30 to 3.30pm
Friday November 24: Saturday November 25: Festive shopping weekend at Lagavulin. Get into the Christmas spirit with hot toddies, complimentary mince pies and festive cocktails and enjoy 20% off in store.
Saturday November 25: Christmas shopping at Jura Village Hall 1pm to 5pm
Saturday November 25: South Islay Churches table-top sale and Lunch 11-2.
Sunday November 26: Christmas shopping event at Ramsay Hall, Port Ellen. Noon – 3pm
December
look out for special Christmas menus across the islands at hotels and cafes.
Friday December 1 – Sunday December 3 – Caol Ila Distillery’s Winter Weekend takes place with festive events, discounts in the shop and festive drinks on offer throughout the weekend.
Saturday December 2: Christmas event at High School, Bowmore. 10am to 2pm
Saturday December 2: An Gleann Tablet will have their Christmas stock in shop! Festive flavoured tablet, tree and table favours. Jellies, pickle and jams, this seasons honey and beeswax gifts. Tablet available to pre order online from Saturday 11th November at www.angleann.co.uk or get in touch to order for collection from the shop. (An Gleann Cottage Produce, on the Rhinns)
Sunday December 3: South Islay Churches joint celebration of Holy Communion in the Round Church Bowmore at 11.00am. All welcome.
Saturday and Sunday December 9 – 10 : Christmas shopping event at Ballygrant Hall 11am to 3pm.
December 14 – Kilchoman’s 18th birthday. Watch out for details of the distillery’s birthday celebrations.