Excerpts from issue 51/15 4 May 2024
Next in line
The 'MV Loch Indaal', pictured on the slipway at Turkey's Cemre shipyard, will be launched on Saturday 8 June. Work has already commenced on painting the funnels and hull. The recently launched 'MV Isle of Islay' is currently berthed nearby at the Turkish shipyard and in the process of undergoing its internal fitting before delivery to CalMac in October of this year.
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In this week's issue:
MV Loch Indaal to launch next month, More changes at the council, A letter from CalMac, The Wyllieum, The council's 'Levelling Up' projects, The distillery part of the 2024 Islay Festival, Lucci and Linda celebrate 40 years, Knitted bank, Vintage cars, Stop livestock attacks, Amendments at the council, Machrie in Another Place, The future of Portnahaven Church, Islay archers, Ella Edgar's Highland Dancers, High School award nominations, MachairWind update, Last post at Bridgend, Islay Football Club new jerseys, Ardnahoe's first malt, A walk on the wild side, Bank of Scotland closure, Whisky cask Investment scams, Pre-planning events for Gartbreck Distillery.
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Gartbreck proposals
Chivas Brothers have submitted a formal Proposal of Application Notice in respect of their proposed whisky distillery at Gartbreck near Bowmore. This precedes their intention to submit a full planning application to Argyll & Bute Council's Planning Department.
The Application Notice also includes details of two consultation events which they intend to undertake during the pre-application consultation period.
This will consist of two public drop-in events at Islay's Gaelic Centre in order to provide the opportunity to make comments on the emerging proposals.
These events will be held on Monday 10 June, from 3pm-7pm, and on Monday 29 July between 3pm-7pm).
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Help prevent livestock attacks
According to PoliceScotland, dog attacks and worrying of livestock animals continues to prove a problem across Argyll, including Islay and Jura.
It's a particular problem when dogs, even those that are well trained, are off their leads or are roaming without an owner or person in charge. In doing so, they often scare or attack livestock animals. Pregnant sheep, if chased or worried by a dog, can lose the lambs they are carrying from the stress and trauma of being force to flee.
While many owners are unaware of the impact their dogs are having on livestock, it is their responsibility to ensure attacks and worrying don't happen. They should ensure their dog doesn't disturb or attack these animals, otherwise there are consequences under the law if it does occur. As a dog owner, you should know where your dog is at all times, maintaining effective control of it within public spaces.
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021 came into force on 5 November 2021 to tackle the issue of out-of-control dogs attacking and worrying livestock. Police Scotland have already received reports of livestock worrying within Argyll this year.
Sgt Matt Shaw, at Lochgilphead Police Station said, "We have a large farming community in this part of Argyll, who work hard to maintain their livelihoods. Dog attacks and worrying of livestock continues to be a problem in this area.
"Some sheep have had to be euthanised following attacks and pregnant ewes have aborted the lambs they were carrying as the result of being chased. Failure to control your dog could see owners face fines of up to £40,000 and up to twelve months imprisonment if their dogs are found guilty of livestock worrying or a livestock attack.
"Remember, in the countryside, it may not always be obvious when animals are around, so remain vigilant and remember that itÕs your dog, therefore your responsibility."
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Distilleries, drams, food and music
Commencing on Saturday 25 May, at Lagavulin Distillery, the whisky portion of Fèis Ìle 2024 offers visitors a wealth of different experiences to make their days on the islands ever more memorable.
At Diageo's flagship Islay distillery, music headliners will be Mànran, along with Rhuvaal and former assistant-manager, Donnie MacKinnon and friends. Attendees will have the option to pick from home-made pies from Pie Hole, fresh oysters from The Oyster Shed, sourced from Islay waters, or Neapolitan inspired pizza from Edinburgh's Pizza Geeks.
Alongside Caol Ila and Lagavulin bars serving whisky cocktails, drams and non-alcoholic options, artisan coffee-roasters, Machina Coffee will also be on-site with a range of coffee and hot drinks.
There will also be an open day at Islay Rum Distillery in Port Ellen with food and music at the distillery, cocktails and tours of the premises.
And at the Islay Whisky Vault in Islay House Square, Bridgend, tastings, food, burgers, pizza and live music will be on offer, as well as an exclusive festival bottling. Open from 1pm - 6pm in the courtyard.
Sunday 26 May will see the usual fun and games in Bruichladdich distillery's courtyard. As expected, Adam Hannett's masterclasses have already sold out, but there will be an afternoon of live music, featuring headliners, Tidelines and local duo, Ciara MacTaggart and Shame MacKinnon amongst others.
There will also be food and local stalls to round out the day. Gates open at 12:30pm.
Monday 27 May follows with an open day at Caol Ila distillery featuring similar food and drink offerings as those at Lagavulin on Saturday and with music from Rhuvaal and Ciara, Shane and Simon. Islay Gin will be in the courtyard of Islay House Square, while at Islay Ales' new brewery at Glenegedale (opposite the airport), there will be live music from local band North of the Bridge and ticketed tasting events (the latter currently sold out).
On Tuesday 28 May, Laphroaig Distillery will feature live music from Really Jiggered and The Laurettes, midst stalls from local orgnaisations and charities, Islay Oysters, lunches from the Ladies of St. JohnÕs Church, wood-fired pizzas and indoor whisky events.
New to the Festival, but one of the island's historically iconic distilleries, the recently revitalised Port Ellen Distillery, aims towards the luxury end of the market. Though all bookable events have sold out, including the two hour evening 'Definitive Port Ellen' at £500 per person, there will be free live music in the courtyard, along with a bar.
There are also several Indie Whisky Fèis events being held on Tuesday.
Wednesday 29 May sees Beam Suntory's other Islay distillery at Bowmore host their own open day, commencing at 10am. This will feature music from Corra and Atlantic Reel, while the bar will be open and serving a selection of delicious whiskies and cocktails! Entry is free with lots to see and do.
Bowmore will also feature a few exclusive events across the week.
Farther north, Ardnahoe's doors are also open on Wednesday at noon and set to be a landmark for the distillery, with their first ever festival bottling available, alongside tours, tastings and lots more! Following on from the launch of the Ardnahoe Inaugural release, there will be a very special bottling available to purchase when the doors open. This will be an extremely limited release and only available to purchase at the distillery on the day.
There will be live music throughout the day from Rhuvaal and a special performance from Ella Edgar's Highland Dancers.
Visitors will enjoy a variety of food showcasing the best of local produce including oysters, homemade pizzas, fresh seafood and burgers straight off the BBQ.
Jura's Lussa Gin will also join in with with samples and cocktails and tastes of a brand new gin.
On Thursday 30 May, whisky fans can transfer their allegiance to Islay's most westerly distillery at Kilchoman. It will feature live music from Rhuvaal, Ceol an Aire and Kilchoman Isle of Islay Pipe Band, as well as a ceilidh in the courtyard. There will be a BBQ, drams and lite bites.
Islay Whisky Academy will also feature elsewhere on Thursday.
On Friday, all moves north once again to the end of the road at Bunnahabhain, with tours, tastings, warehouse walks, boat trips and a masterclass.
These will be augmented with craft stalls, food vendors and live music available all day! Tickets are available to book on the distillery website.
Leaving Bunnahabhain, it's only a short hop across the water to Jura distillery where, as well as the ticketed events (tours and tastings), there will be a marquee hosting live music, cocktails and a fun filled day on the field.
The Rollin' Drones will provide music throughout the day, while visitors enjoy unique and well-loved Jura cocktails created by The Drink Cabinet. We will also be welcoming island businesses to set up on the field to allow you to explore everything Jura has to offer.
As you might expect, there will be plenty of fun (and whisky) for everyone. Lussa Gin will also be in evidence in Jura Hotel field alongside Deer Island Rum and Jura Whisky for tastings and talks about their fifteen local botanicals.
Jura's Lussa Gin Distillery will be open Monday to Friday from 11am until 4:30pm.
Final distillery event of the week will take place on Saturday 1 June at Ardbeg which is inviting all to join them for an offbeat and smoky Ardbeggian take on the circus.
Entertaining tours, a cavalcade of cocktails, outlandish games and an extravaganza of peaty delights alongside music, tastings, food, dancing and games.
Throughout Fèis week, from Saturday 25 April to Sunday 2 June, Bridgend Hotel will feature live music from Rhuvaal, Atlantic Reel and Reely Jiggered, along with a BBQ on the terrace.
Please remember that the majority of distilleries will be providing 'Drivers' Drams' for those in charge of the day's transport. Please act sensibly and refrain from drinking and driving. It's not worth the risk and it could end up spoiling someone else's enjoyment of the festival.
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