LYNDON COTTAGE

Islay has a wide range of wildlife and, indeed was the subject of a series of BBC Springwatch programmes. There is an RSPB bird sanctuary at Loch Gruinart, approximately 8km from the cottage and for the bird spotting enthusiast, the red-legged chough, of which there are only about 80 breeding pairs, can be found on Islay. Around the coast, particularly at Portnahaven and Ardbeg, the common seal and the grey (or atlantic) seal can regularly be seen. Otters, deer, Golden Eagles and Hen Harriers are just some of the species seen on the island.

For more information on guided birding tours, why not try Islay Birding

Also, for those with good sea legs, Islay Sea Safari and Islay Marine Charters (tel. 01496 302459) both offer sea trips around the coast of Islay to see some spectacular coastal scenery and wildlife.