Things to see and do Hebrides

Founded in 1991, the Bruichladdich distillery presents itself as innovative and progressive. Recognizable by its turquoise blue bottles, it works with three types of single malts: Bruichladdich, not peaty, Port Charlotte, very peaty, and Octomore, claimed to be the most peaty in the world. You will discover that the Bruichladdich blue has quite a history, since it is present in the distillery and outside, on certain days of good weather, when the sun lights up the Loch. The distillery also makes The Botanist gin.

Island Encounters organises day island wildlife safaris, with Craignure Pier as a meeting point. An alternative location can be arranged if required. Birds of prey, seals and deer are just a few examples of the varied wildlife on the trip. The price includes food and, of course, transport, which is by 8-seater minibus. Tailor-made private visits are also possible, to discover sites or observe specific wildlife areas.

Peter Hall knows his island like the back of his hand and shares his vast knowledge with visitors. He offers day trips from the Craignure ferry terminal or, exceptionally, from the Tobermory ferry terminal. The meeting point is set around 10-10.30 am, before starting the exploration of Mull and its animal population. Sea lions, seals, eagles, deer, dolphins, birds and raptors of all kinds are often present and food and transport are included. Visits are for a maximum of 4 people.

Bird lovers will turn to this organization that offers walks to meet the white-tailed eagles and other birds of prey on the island. The walks are led by knowledgeable rangers in partnership with the Forestry Commission and the RSPB. Events can take place throughout Mull and are advertised on the website. Reservations are compulsory and the starting point of the tour is communicated at that time. Walking shoes, binoculars if possible, and waterproof clothing are recommended.

The small museum of Mull is a pool of information on the island's history and heritage. Its adventure began in 1970, when it was only a temporary exhibition for the summer. In 1986, it moved to its current building, still run by passionate volunteers. From the first inhabitants to recent events, including clan wars, the island's rich past is revealed to us through period objects and reconstructions. It is an interesting step to better understand the local culture and its evolution through time.

Whether you are interested in marine wildlife, the scenery of Skye, or a cruise to Rum and Canna, Misty Isle Boat Trips has something for you. Each outing includes a trip through the beautiful Loch Coruisk, in the heart of the Cuillin, and simple shuttles are also available. There are several durations to choose from, depending on your time and budget. Chances are you'll see basking sharks, dolphins, killer whales and rorquals. In the summer, it is even possible to observe puffins, as they nest on Canna Island.

This museum gives a glimpse of what life was like in an island village on Skye in the 19th century. You enter into the everyday life of the people of the time, through their professional, social and family life. We visit a kitchen with its period utensils, violin, bagpipes and Gaelic Bible, a room with rudimentary comfort, with a straw bed, and a weaving workshop, where clothes and blankets were made. There is also the forge and the ceilidh house.

Like other museums in the Outer Hebrides, the Kildonan Museum in Kildonan focuses on reviving local history and traditions. The daily life of the crofters, the farmers of the time, is told through exhibits, black and white photographs, period objects, instruments, tools, machines and clothing, among others. There is also a café on site, as well as a shop selling local handicrafts. The café is accessible even without visiting the museum and makes an excellent refreshment point.

Kisimul Castle is the only true medieval castle still visible in the Outer Hebrides. Set in Castlebay, it is the seat of the MacNeils of Barra. It was built in the ^15th century on its splendid site, but they arrived on the island as early as the ^11th century. It was completely restored by a descendant of the family in the ^20th century. You can walk around its 3 floors and take a boat tour (included in the price) when it is open to the public. Be careful, it is currently under construction, you can only see it from the outside.

The Lochmaddy Museum explores the social, domestic, economic and religious history of North Uist through its people over time. Some 19th and 20th century artifacts are on display, as well as temporary exhibitions of local and international arts and crafts. The site is also a visual arts centre. Events and exhibitions are regularly scheduled. There is also a café on site, where you can eat or drink a hot drink.

Founded in October 2015, this recent distillery has entered the whisky world with a brand new building and about twenty jobs at stake. If the single malt will not be ready right away, a gin is already available. There is a café-bar and a shop. They are as much a discovery of production techniques and the work of the distillers as a sensory awakening to the scents of the spirits and the many aromatic plants that make up gin.

Built in the early 16th century, this noble medieval church is the work of Alasdair Crotach MacLeod of Harris & Dunvegan, eighth chief of the MacLeod clan. It is one of the most ambitious buildings in the Outer Hebrides, and its form is attributable to the people's former ties with Ireland. He was buried here when he died in 1547 and his tomb is of great beauty. Some of his descendants lie there with him and the stelae and sculptures are impressive. History lovers will be conquered.

This information centre specialises in the history of the inhabitants of the Outer Hebrides and their genealogy. A permanent exhibition deals with the island population and its land from Prehistory to the present day. It tells how communities were formed and suggests avenues for study. Occasional events and temporary exhibitions take place throughout the year on a variety of themes. You will also find a very friendly bar and café on site, as well as a small shop selling local handicrafts.

Dun Carloway Broch is one of the best preserved Iron Age defensive towers in the country. In Scotland, they are called broch and this one was probably built in the ^first century AD. Although partially in ruins, its walls still reach 9 m high in places. It commands some beautiful views of the surrounding area, including towards Harris. Next door, the small Doune Broch Centre opens its doors in mid and high season to explain the origin of the building, its history and the life of its inhabitants.

When it was founded in 2008, this distillery, whose name means "red river", was the first to settle on Lewis for 200 years. Its first real single malt, the 10-year-old, has proven itself to connoisseurs. Abhainn Dearg Distilleryorganizes visits of its production site and tastings. From the fields to the bottle, this whisky is produced in the Hebrides. It is still in its infancy and its name hasn't yet been around the world, but, who knows, it may give birth to your future favourite whisky...

In a breathtaking environment, the Bunnahabhain distillery (the bh is pronounced v) is isolated in the north of the island, facing the Jura mountains. It opened its doors in 1881. Its whisky is much sweeter than the one of its neighbours, and uses very little, if any, peated malt. The 12-year-old is light, fresh, with a fragrance of spray and nuts. The single visit lasts about 1 hour, but there is a shorter, faster version for those in a hurry. The visit program is to be consulted on the distillery's website.

Bowmore is the mother of the Islay distilleries. Created in 1779, it is the oldest distillery on the island and remains the heart of the eponymous village. With a beautiful setting on the edge of Loch Indaal, the single visit lasts 1 hour and allows you to explore the entire production site before ending with a triple tasting: three samples of Bowmore whiskies, in the tasting room, with a spectacular view of Loch Indaal. You even leave with your tasting glass bearing the distillery's logo. Other tours offer cask tasting.

It is the westernmost distillery of the south coast, founded and marketed in 1815 by local farmers and master distiller John MacDougall. Today in continuous expansion, it has kept its traditional methods and reveals them to enthusiasts. The classic tour lasts 45 minutes, but there are longer options. Their standard-bearer is the 10-year-old, a very peaty, iodized single malt with hints of citrus fruits and cereals. The Old Kiln Café on the premises cooks up some good food for the lunch break.

Just next to Port Askaig, this distillery of 1846 has unfortunately destroyed a large part of its original buildings to rebuild a more modern complex. The location is nevertheless very nice in front of the Paps of Jura, but there may be a bit less to see than in some of its counterparts. At 43%, the 12 year old has sweet, oily flavours, with light hints of peat and citrus. Several visits are possible, from the classic to the one combining whiskies and chocolates.

This 1880 cottage is a rare witness to island history and local traditions. Its last inhabitants left it as it was in 1966 and it has remained unchanged since then. There was no chimney and the peat fire was evacuated through the windows and thatched roof, keeping insects away. The white house across the street is the result of the hygiene regulations that were subsequently introduced. It is also owned by Historic Environment Scotland and is in stark contrast to its neighbour.

Choose this organization to go whale watching, seals, dolphins, basking sharks and many others. With a duration of 1h30 or 4 hours, this company offers cruises on the waters of the island to discover its extraordinary fauna. The first one, named "Ecocruz", is ideal for families, as it stays on calm waters. The second one ventures further and can allow you to see whales. Go to the website to see the offers and book your choice. Departures take place on the docks after the distillery.

It is impossible to remain indifferent to this institution, which celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2015. With its superb distillery with its feet in the water, Laphroaig is the favourite whisky of a large number of single malt lovers from Islay, who come here on a real pilgrimage. The tour is as exciting as it is complete, but if you don't have time to take part, at least drop by the visitor centre to sample a dram. The 10-year-old is the best known, with its very peaty mouthfeel, deep marine flavours and a hint of fruit and spices.

This noble fortress will be one of your first glimpses of Mull, coming by the ferry from Oban. In the shadow of the mountains, bathed by the waters, it is the historic home of the Maclean clan, perched on its rock since the 13th century. It passed into the hands of the Campbell clan in 1661 and was ravaged before being abandoned. Sold in 1911 to Sir Fitzroy Donald Maclean, it was returned to its original family and fully restored. The visit includes the dungeon, the great hall, the rooms, a historical exhibition and the small garden.

The mountain once stood at 15 000 feet. It overlooks, the Wilderness, a radically wild land that crosses a unique path along the coast. Approximately 6 km west of Tiroran House hotel, trees have fossilized in basalt. To see them, wait the low tide and get off the iron staircase. The most spectacular road in the north-east of the island (B 8073) descends from Dervaig to the south and joins the coast near Kilninian, where semi-precious stones can still be found. Very little known, because it is difficult to access, this part of the island offers stunning views of the Treshnish, about Na Keal and on the sea arm to the beautiful beauty of the inhabitants.

Nestled in a small cove on the magnificent south coast, the Lagavulin distillery traces its origins back to 1742, when its site was used as a hideout for illegal whisky distillation... Now everything is well and truly up to standard and the visit is one of the most complete and interesting in Islay. The 16 year old is a complex single malt that is dry, rich, peaty, slightly woody and salty. You can also stop at the Malt Mill Bar for exclusive tastings, as well as excellent hot chocolate, coffee, tea and pastries.

The Ardhanoe distillery opened its doors in 2018. It is thus the most recent distillery of Islay. Its water is drawn from the Loch Ardhanoe, close to the distillery. The place is shrouded in mystery: an unfathomable depth, the legend of a white courier ghost appearing at the full moon... Its water, filtered through peat and rock, is exceptionally soft. The establishment offers tours for everyone - from the express tour to the expert tour with multi-tasting - and a friendly café: The Illicit Still bar & cafe.