Islay Encounters

15/07/2025

24/06/2025

A few recent encounters with our local deer (red, roe and fallow). It's always a pleasure when guests are able to get a great view of them 🦌.

01/06/2025

Well that's a wrap for Fèis Ìle 2025. It was lovely to meet a few of the many visitors to the island and show off some of the fantastic nature Islay has to offer. Congratulations to Feis raffle winner Franck, it was a pleasure to show you round and enjoy a wee dram on the beach! Thanks to the Feis committee for adding my details last minute and all those who shared, posted and helped to promote my peatland experiences too, your support is much appreciated 🥃

23/05/2025

Fèis Ìle 2025 is off and running with the opening parade tonight. There is still time to book a peatland experience so drop me an email or give me a call if you'd like to join us 🥃

I am pleased to be offering an additional experience to celebrate Fèis Ìle 2025. Available daily throughout the festival. Spaces are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment. Bespoke versions are also available for group bookings.

11/05/2025

I am pleased to be offering an additional experience to celebrate Fèis Ìle 2025. Available daily throughout the festival. Spaces are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment. Bespoke versions are also available for group bookings.

21/04/2025

Spring is a fantastic time to be out and about on Islay... If there are any accommodation providers, shops, visitor centres etc who would have some space to display a poster or some business cards please don't hesitate to get in touch. Your support of my small business is much appreciated 🙂🐾🦅🦌.

19/04/2025

A few encounters while out and about over the last couple of weeks...🦌🐾🦅🦭☀️

19/04/2025

12/04/2025

Gorgeous sunny weather for a half day safari including a circular walk to the American monument on "The Oa" last week with returning guests.
Billy goats, roe deer, fallow deer, red deer, chough, summer migrants and singing skylarks aplenty. Stunning coastal vistas and the cherry on the cake... excellent views of the golden eagle through the telescope. A great day out with great company!!
, , , , ,

29/11/2024

Some highlights from Islay Encounters first year in business. Many thanks to all my guests and looking forward to another year surrounded by Islay's natural wonders.

20/10/2024

Not forgetting the fallow deer! Did you know, the pattern of spots on each deer's rump is unique, like a fingerprint? The fallow deer is our only species with "palmate" antlers and was introduced to the UK by the Normans in the 11th century. There are a couple of theories about their arrival on Islay but they were most probably introduced to the Kildalton Castle area as park animals and for hunting by the Victorians, as was the trend. Their distribution on Islay remains confined to the south of the island

20/10/2024

Enjoyed an early morning "Stag Safari" this week and we managed to catch some action of the red deer rut 🦌. Amazing experience with visitors Alison and Mike, who were thrilled with all Islay has to offer at this time of year.