Photos and the City

Slow travel & photography

A walk around Dunyvaig Casle in the Isle of Islay.

Dunyvaig Castle – the remains of a castle dating back to the 12th century, sits on an old broch – with amazing views in all directions. It was built by Somerled, King of the Isles, on top of a fort or dun on a rocky promontory jutting into Lagavulin Bay.

A walk around Dunyvaig Casle in the Isle of Islay.

Over the centuries, Dunyvaig was held by the MacDonalds, the Macleans, and the Campbells.

A walk around Dunyvaig Casle in the Isle of Islay.

Today, this bay offers a great view of the Lagavulin Distillery, sitting opposite the castle.

A walk around Dunyvaig Casle in the Isle of Islay.

Going to the castle is an easy and short walk, and you can enjoy the views.

A walk around Dunyvaig Casle in the Isle of Islay.

A walk around Dunyvaig Casle in the Isle of Islay.

A walk around Dunyvaig Casle in the Isle of Islay.

A walk around Dunyvaig Casle in the Isle of Islay.

 

Honesty shop in Islay, Scotland

I found an honesty shop on my way to Bowmore – a telephone box filled with cards and other stationery.

View of Islay, Landscape

Bowmore

Strolling around Bowmore in Islay

Let´s take a little stroll around Bowmore with me. Bowmore is Islay’s administrative capital and offers various shops and other activities. Of course, there is also a distillery, right in the centre of the town.

The village of Bowmore was founded in 1768, by Daniel Campbell of Shawfield and Islay. Construction of this first planned village in Scotland was part of a resettlement scheme to move people from the old village of Killarrow which was near Islay House. (Islay Info)

The streets were laid out on a grid pattern, based on the axis of Main Street. Originally, there were small fields in between the houses.

Strolling around Bowmore in Islay

Bowmore Round Church sits on top of the main street and offers great views over Bowmore. The parish church of Killarrow, was built in 1767 by Daniel Campbell of Shawfield and Islay, then owner of the entire island.

Strolling around Bowmore in Islay

The story goes that the church was built in a circular shape to make sure there were no corners for the devil to hide in. (Islay Info)

Strolling around Bowmore in Islay

Walk with me from Port Ellen to the Singing Sands in Islay.

We’re looking back towards Port Ellen but walking away from it towards the Singing Sands. It was a sunny and warm day, and the beaches were pretty full.

Walk with me from Port Ellen to the Singing Sands in Islay.

I started my walk to the beach near Port Ellen Cementary and followed the path around the bay.

Walk with me from Port Ellen to the Singing Sands in Islay.

Walk with me from Port Ellen to the Singing Sands in Islay.

Carraig Fhada Lighthouse

Walk with me from Port Ellen to the Singing Sands in Islay.

The lighthouse was commissioned by the Laird of Islay, Walter Frederick Campbell in memory of his wife Ellenor who died young in 1832 – Port Ellen is also named after her. Unlike most lighthouses, the Carraig Fhada Lighthouse has a square shape.

Walk with me from Port Ellen to the Singing Sands in Islay.

Walk with me from Port Ellen to the Singing Sands in Islay.

Walk with me from Port Ellen to the Singing Sands in Islay.

Around the next corner, I got my first glimpse of the Singing Sands – a stunning, secluded beach where the sands seem to sing when you move on.

Walk with me from Port Ellen to the Singing Sands in Islay.

Walk with me from Port Ellen to the Singing Sands in Islay.

Walk with me from Port Ellen to the Singing Sands in Islay.

Walk with me from Port Ellen to the Singing Sands in Islay.

Walk with me from Port Ellen to the Singing Sands in Islay.

Walk with me from Port Ellen to the Singing Sands in Islay.

On the way back…

Walk with me from Port Ellen to the Singing Sands in Islay.