One for the scots... Local knowledge islay

[Rooter]

Dear Scottish friends, been offered use of a holiday cottage on the island whenever I want, anyone know it? Saw it has a decent links course, so that's a tick in the box for me! But what about the family? 3 young kids and a wife that is not very outdoorsy.. Looked online and its like 11hrs drive! So thoughts please...

I am not a whiskey drinker either, so a bit of a waste I know! Anyone here live there?

 

[FairwayDodger]

It's not my favourite of the islands but still a great place to visit. It's more habited than most so a few wee towns with all you'd expect. We're quite outdoorsy though so that accounts for most of our activities.

Visit finlaggin, the seat of The Lord of the isles, take a distillery tour even if you don't like whisky; fascinating. Not sure about kids unless they're happy running riot outside and on beaches etc....

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

My brother has a house on Islay and it's a great place. Bigger and more populated than many islands - butr still very quiet. Machrie (the golf course) is an absolute cracker and you might have it to yourself. Short boat journey to Juraa if you fancy climbing the Paps of Jura (for unbelievavbly fantastic views if you can see more than 2yds in front of your nose). Dcepending on when you go there will be plenty of dances and shows. And whetrher you drink whisky or not a tour around a distillery is always good.

 

[Rooter]

Thanks peeps so far! much appreciated... i was quite shocked at the green fees for Machrie to be honest, is that the norm for a decent course up your way? annual membership is something silly like 6 rounds as a visitor cost!! anyway, the distillery tour would deffo be on, as the person whom offered us one of his holiday lets owns one of them too! LOL nice!

Hmm. just need to convince the wife she wont get bored... might save it till next year now anyway, no rush!

 

[Doon frae Troon]

The three main towns are Port Ellan, Bowmore/Bridgend, and Portnahaven/Port Wemyss.
All a bit different, but I liked the Port Charlotte/Portnahaven/Port Weymss peninsular
If you compare the quality and value of The Machrie to golf courses in the Newbury area the green fees are outstanding value.
Membership is cheap due to the low population.
Good birdwatching at Loch Gruniard but if your wife and kids are the indoors type they will be bored out of their skulls.
Like others not my favourite island, lots of pretty boring flatlands.

 

[Colin L]

The Machrie was a gem of a links course when I played it 30 years ago and if it hasn't changed it will still be a gem. Long way to go however to play a golf course on an island that may not suit your wife and kids!

 

[Rooter]

The Machrie was a gem of a links course when I played it 30 years ago and if it hasn't changed it will still be a gem. Long way to go however to play a golf course on an island that may not suit your wife and kids!

That's what I am starting to think!!! Never mind. Will have to get myself some Scottish customers and invite myself to some forum members clubs... Keen to see what all this fuss is about Scottish links

 

[Colin L]

If you are looking to combine links golf with family holiday, you would be much better off heading for Ayrshire, Edinburgh/East Lothian or Fife where there is plenty else on offer.

 

[MegaSteve]

Not a local... But I have holidayed/visited on many occasions... Believe you have to be an "outdoorsy" type to make it worth the trip... Some fantastic beaches for the kids but like the rest of the UK I suppose the right weather is in short supply, seemingly, these days... Having said that we've always been lucky with the weather on our trips... Even got sunburnt on Elie beach one time... Well in the beer garden adjacent to the beach...

You can do a distillery tour in England these days... Adjacent(ish) to Snetterton...

 

[Iaing]

Rooter, given what you say in your first post, your wife and kids will be bored out of their skulls. Not suitable at all I'd say.

 

[Rooter]

Rooter, given what you say in your first post, your wife and kids will be bored out of their skulls. Not suitable at all I'd say.

I am starting to agree!!! Never mind, it was a holiday let at my fav price! Pointless if they will be bored, costa del xyz here we come then!

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

Rooter, given what you say in your first post, your wife and kids will be bored out of their skulls. Not suitable at all I'd say.

Your kids absolutely must enjoy being outdoors whatever the weather. There will be plenty of outdoor activity (windsurfing, canoeing etc) to partake in - but cost of that can add up and if it doesn't row their boat then they must appreciate absolute peace and quiet and the beauty of a coastal landscape. If they don't they will probably be bored - unfortunately.

 

[Doon frae Troon]

On holiday on Mull one year I shall never forget the 20 stone Geordie lass who asked me if I knew where the nearest Bingo hall was.
I may have replied Glasgow.

 

[MegaSteve]

On holiday on Mull one year I shall never forget the 20 stone Geordie lass who asked me if I knew where the nearest Bingo hall was.
I may have replied Glasgow.

Not quite sure why you feel the need to add your opinion of the ladies region of origin or weight... Its like local newspapers that say " Mr Smith [55] and Mr Jones [33]"... Why do we need to know their ages??? Totally irrelevant and flippin' pointless...