Learn Islay Gaelic Choruses

Learn the choruses and be able to sing along at the ceilidhs!

Entry fee £2

Feis Ile Market, Bowore Square

 Stalls with local produce, crafts and much more. BBQ.

Open Fly Fishing Competition, fly only. 

Kinnabus Loch 

1300 - 1700

Saturday 24th May 2008

Held courtesy of Port Ellen Angling Club. 

 Prizes donated by Black Bottle Scotch Whisky for adults and Feis Ile Medal for juniors.

Entry #3 for adults and#1 for juniors

Tight Lines!!

Opening Concert

The Columba Centre, Bowmore

Saturday 24th May 7.30pm

Featuring local talent, including Robert Forrest, Libby Morriss, Janey Torrance, Helen Gilles, Ruaraidh MacKinnon, Bronwen Currie, Ishabail MacTaggart, Iain MacPherson, Ella Edgar Dancers, and Bowmore Junior choir.

Entry £5

the opening concert is sponsered by D&L Currie, Colin Logan, W. Lawson, Andrew Bauld and The Co-operative

DISCO AT THE RAMSAY HALL, PORT ELLEN

Saturday 24th May 2008

Dance away the first night of the festival at The Ramsay Hall.

10pm - 1am

Entry fee £4.00

Strictly Over 18's only 

Please note that evening events are not bookable and operate on a first come, first serve basis.  All welcome!

For bookings please contact Lagavulin Distillery on 01496 302400

Experience the distillery that likes to take its time....

Distillery tours

Starting in reception with a pre-tour dram, accompany Marjory and Ruth on tour, finishing in No 3 warehouse with a 'warehouse dram'.

Cost £5 (including £3 voucher). Tours (max 20) at 12.30, 1400 & 1530.

Warehouse demonstrations

Start in reception and accompany Iain to No 1 warehouse.  Demonstartion of warehousing skills and maturation including 2 'warehouse drams' drawn yourself from duty paid casks. 

 Cost £5 (including £3 voucher).  Demonstration (max 15) at 12,30, 1400 &1530.

Nips'n' nibbles 

Special nosing and tasting with Distillery Manager - Graham Logie.  Meet in reception, tasting in 'Malt Mill' Reception Centre.  Tasting of 4 Lagavulin expressions with nibbles. 

Cost £10 (including £3 voucher), tastings (max 40) at 1100, 1330 & 1600

Pillage Display

Join Kevin Campbell at the Lagavulin Fundraisers demonstration of pictures, slides, etc from the 2003, 2005 2007 events.

The boat used for the 2007 event will be on display.

Music

Local musicians playing throughout the afternoon in the yard.

Food

Sensational local scallops and oysters.

Teas, coffee, soft drinks, hot snacks, home baking sold on behalf of McMillan Cancer Support.

During the week

Wednesday  28th May

 One offWarehouse Demonstration a 1000 hours.  Cost £5, includes 2 warehouse drams, meet at ditillery Reception Centre.

Usual tours at 09.30, 11.15 and 1400 hour Monday to Friday.

Also Friday 1545 and Saturday 0930.

Total cost £4 including a voucher for £3 off a 70l bottle of malt.

For bookings please contct the distillery on 01496 302400

Guided Coastal Walk, Ardnave

Sunday 25th May 2008

Meet at the Cattle Mart in Bridgend for between 10 and 10.30 am.

Your host Iain McPherson will take you an a walk to explore some of Islays interesting and diverse coastline.

A small fee of £3.00

Blow some of those festival cobwebs away.

Bring a packed lunch.

Sturdy/sensible footwear and waterproofs advisable!

Bruichladdich Open Day

Sunday 25th May 2008

 Open from 12.30 onwards

Master Class with Jim McEwan - sorry this is already fully booked!

Due to the hug demand for the masterclass we have added an extra class in No 12 warehouse - Andrew Gray and Andy Hogan invite you to join them on a tasting tour of Scotland calling at  Macallan, Clynelish, Highland Park, Glen Scotia, Bunnahabhain and Caol Ila at 15.30pm. The cost is £20, due when booked.

There will also be tours of the Distillery and Bottling Hall.

Bruichladdich Malt Bar - Bruichladdich cocktails by Edward Stromer, Islay Ales and soft drinks bar.

Murray McDavid Bar and Shop

A Courtyard Ceilidh featuring The Campletown Ceannloch Pipe Band and The Maverick Angels and Contraband.  Singers include Norma Munro, Dugald Gillespie, Eddie Pollard and Robin Laing.

Food demonstration and book launch by Erich and Ferne from Canada.

Food by: RNLI, Islay Oysters, Bruichladdich Hall, BBQ by Iomart Chille Chomain, Francios Flamed Seafood and The Chip Van

Stalls to include Islay ales and The Islay Arts and crafts and Islay Stormcats.

For further details contact Bruichladdich Distillery on 01496 850221

OPEN BOWLING COMPETITION

BRIDGND BOWLING CLUB 

All entries to be in by 1.45pm for a 2pm start.

Bowls are available forvisiting players.

Starts at 2pm, entry fee £1.00

Open act of worship at Islay House, Bridgend.

led by Rev. Ken Skipper

4pm

An act of worship for all faiths, held in the spectacular surroundings of Islay House.

Everybody is most welcome.

THE CLOOTIE DUMPLING CEILIDH, PORTNAHAVEN

Sunday 25th May 2008

Dance to the excellent Howff Band.

8pm -1am

Entry fee £6.00

This event has been sponsered by The Loch Fyne Whisky Shop, Inverary. 

Please note that evening events are not bookable and operate on a first come, first serve basis.  All welcome!

Whisky Tasting and Ceilidh at The Ramsay Hall, Port Ellen

Monday 26th May 2008

7.30pm-9pm - whisky tasting

£6.00 per person (including 2 drams)

9.30pm-1am - Ceilidh with music by the ever popular Howff Band.

Please note that evening events cannot be booked and operate on a first come first serve basis.  Everyone is very welcome!

Caol Ila Open Day

Distillery Tours start at 09.00, last tour is at 15.00, cost £5

There are nosing and tastings at 10.00, 12.30 & 14.30, cost £10 

There are tours as normal throughout the week.

Please contact Caol Ila Distillery on 01496 302760 for further details and bookings.

Port Ellen Maltings

Feis Ile Tours 2008

Monday 26th May at 11am

Tuesday 27th May at 11am

Thursday 29th May at 11am

Visit Diageo's Port Ellen Maltings to unravel the magic of malting, supplying over the years malted barley to the distilleries on Islay, Jura and even Tobermory Distillery on Mull.

Be prepared for an energetic climb to the steep room where the magic begins.

Please not the format for the maltings has changed from previous years.  Tastings and food will not be available at the end of the tour, but be assured you will not leave Port Ellen Maltings disappointed.

Tours £5.00 per person

PLACES ON THE MALTINGS TOURS ARE LIMITED SO PLEASE BOOK YOUR PLACE EARLY BY TELEPHONING 01496 302700

Ceilidh in The Filling Store at

Laphroaig Distillery

Tuesday 27th May 2008

8pm - 1am

Enjoy a ceilidh in the filling store at Laphroaig Distillery, music provided by The Archie MacVicar Trio and local singers.

£6.00 per person 

LAPHROAIG OPEN DAY

Tuesday 27th May 2008

If you are interested in coming along to any of the events listed below then it is advisable to phone or e-mail to make a reservation as the numbers are limited with payment in advance.

Tel no: 01496 302418

e-mail: caroline.morris@beamglobal.com

Distillery Tours

£4 per person

Every 30 minutes (12 max)

From 9.15am, 9.45am, 10.15am......until 4pm

Tasting with Robert Hicks - Master Blender

£10 per person

A tasting of the Festival Bottlings, 1994, 1989 an this year's "Cairdeas"

Compare our last three Festival Specials

Times available - 10.30am, 11.45am, 2,15pm & 3.30pm

(15 max)

John Campbell & Simon Brooking - The Source/The Peat/The Floor

£15 per person

You will get taken to the water source, cut some peats and then head back to work on the Maltings floor at Laphroaig.  A dram will be supplied at each location.

Times available - 9.30am, 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm

(6 max)

Sunday 25th May at 9pm

A nightcap in the Friends of Laphroaig lounge.

£10 per person

Everyone is welcome to come along - the more the merrier.

Taste ome familiar Laphroaig's and  couple you don't know about.

15 years/Quarter Cask/"Cairdeas" - Festival 2008 bottling/and one other special bottle.

Visitor Centre/Shop opening times during the festival

Saturday 24th May     12pm-5pm

Monday - Friday       9am-5pm

Saturday 31st May      12pm-5pm

Please check the web page www.Laphroaig.com for more details.

Islay Ales Open Day in Islay House Square, Bridgend

Throughout the day there will be:-

Tours of the brewery (we may well be brewing that day).

A beer tent.

Live music.

Pub Games and (possibly) a competition (last years was desig a t-shirt).

A Barbeque.

For further details contact Islay Ales on 01496 810014.

The Black Grouse Walk

RSPB Reserve, Gruinart

Midday start

Join us for a few drams of Black Grouse blended and enjoy an inspiring talk on the wild black grouse by Paul Walton.  Enjoy a guided walk through the spectaular and beautiful RSPB reserve at Gruinart.

THE VATERSAY BOYS

BOWMORE HALL

28th May 2008

8pm - 1am

Dance the night away to the ever popular Vatersay Boys.

£10 per person, tickets on the door.

Each person will be given a dram, courtesy of Bowmore Distillery.

A good night will be had by all!!

Please note that his is an overer 18's event only, proof of age will be asked for if there is any doubt.

Texas Scramble Golf Competition at

 The Machrie Golf Course

Wednesday 28th May 2008

Tee off 6pm

Entry fees - adults £3, juniors £1

Playing for the Black Bottle Sheild

Bowmore Distillery Open Day

Wednesday 28th May 2008

Details of this open day will be posted as soon as they become available from the distillery.

For further enquiries please contact Bowmore Distillery on 01496 810441

Kilchoman Open Day

Thursday 29th May 2008 11am - 6pm

Programme

11am onwards -  Blind nosing competition £2.00 per person

12 noon - Food and whisky matching demonstration by Martine Nouet, £5 per person

12 noon onwards - BBQ and bar

12 noon - live music by the Maverick Angels

2pm - Comparitive tasting and presentation of 'New Spirit' to 2 year old Kilchoman by Jim Swan, £5 per person

11am and every half hour onwards - Tours of the distillery £3.50 per person

The Cafe will be open all ay serving teas, coffees and cakes. 

Young Persons Putting Competition

Port Ellen Playing Fields

6.30pm onwards

Entry free, refreshments provided

Piping Recital at The Columba Centre,

Bowmore

Thursday 29th May 2008

8pm

£5 per person

A piping recital given by Simon McKerrall, this event is sponsered by Bunnahabhain Distillery.

Ceilidh at The Lagavulin Distillery

 Reception Centre

Thursday 29th May 2008

8pm - 1am

£6 per person

Dance the night away to the Willie Cameron Ceilidh Band, includes a display of highland dancing from local youngsters.

Please note that evening events are not bookable and operate on a first come first served basis.  Everyone welcome!

Jura Distillery Open Day

Thursday 29th May 2008

Morning session  9.30am - 12.30pm

Afternoon session  1.30pm - 4.30pm

Morning Session Masterclasses will start at 10am and finish at 11.30am, they will be followed by lunch and live music.

Afternoon session Masterclasss wll start at 2pm and finish at 3.30pm and will again be followed with a meal and live music.

Guests will travel over by ferry and the event will start will start when they book in at the distillery shop/Visitors centre, th priceper person is £15 and will include ferry fare between Islay and Jura, the three mastercases and the meal.

Master Classes:-

Richard Patterson - Blending class

Willie Tait - tasting class

Willie Cochrane - Distillation class

Ferry times:-

8.30 am from Port Askaig for morning session

12.25 from Port Askag for afternoon session

BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL CONTACT THE DISTILLERY ON 01496 820385 FOR MORE DETAILS

BUNNAHABHAIN FESTIVAL PROGRAMME - 2008

Tuesday and Wednesday 27th and 28th May 2008   14.30-16.00

MATURATION TALK AND TOUR OF WAREHOUSE

An informal tour of duty-free warehouse with the Distillery Manager.  This will include a discussion of maturation and the effects that cask types have on new make spirit.  Illustrated by tasting three different expressions of Bunnahabhain at the conclusion of the event.

(LIMITED TO 20 PEOPLE - £10 PER HEAD - BOOKING REQUIRED)

Bunnahabhain Distillery Open Day

Friday 30th May 2008

 10.00-17.00

Local arts and crafts stall.

Barbecue with the famous Bunnahabhain Burgers expertly cooked by the Islay Masters Swimming Club.

Scallops cooked in Bunnahabhain 12 year old by Francois.

Informal whisky tastings and chat with our sales and marketing staff.

DISTILLERY TOURS      Hourly - no appointment required

Tours carried out by various members of the distillery staff.

All tours £4.00 per head

BLENDING CLASSES  11.00-12.30 and 14.00 15.30

Learn the art of blending with Kirstie McCallum, blender for Burn Stewart Distillers.

(LIMITED TO 16 PEOPLE EACH SESSION -£10 PER HEAD - BOOKING REQUIRED)

COCKTAIL MAKING CLASS  13.00 and 15.00

To be held in the Distillery Filling store.

Award winning mixologist Mikael Perron will provide an entertaining and fascinating masterclass, using Black Bottle and Bunnahabhain brands to showcase and share his skills with knowledge, leaving you with a new way of approaching your whisky drinking experience.  Enjoy the opportunity of learning to make cocktails with an expert.

(LIMITED TO 30 PEOPLE EACH SESSION - £7.50 PER HEAD - BOOKING REQUIRED)

BOAT TRIPS IN BUNNAHABHAIN BAY

Boat trips by Islay Sea Safaris - no booking required.

"MALT, MUSIC AND MIDGES" Evening at Bunnahabhain Filling Store

Band - To be arranged

Local Artistes,

Annies world-famous Bunnahabhain Clootie Dumpling,

Charity Auction including sale of Islay Distillery Managers Photograph from the front page of Malt Advocate.  MOunted and framed by Mark Unsworth.

Raffle of Bunnahabhain and Black Bottle items

Food by Francois, drinks, stories, songs and dancing.

ADMISSION £7.50 PER HEAD -NO BOOKING REQUIRES FOR EVENING EVENT

PROCEEDS TO LOCAL CHARITIES

There is a bus available for the evening event, price is for bus only not entry into celidh

Departs Port Ellen 6.30pm cost £7, Bowmore 7pm cost £6, Bridgend 7.10pm cost £5, Ballygrant 7.30pm cost £4, Keills 7.35pm cost £3.  All returns, no concessions.

Bus leaves Bunnahabhain at 1am sharp!

ALL LIMITED NUMBERS EVENTS MUST BE PRE-BOOKED

For enquiries and bookings please contact Bunnahabhain Distillery on 01496 840646.

Family Ceilidh held in the Ramsay Hall

Port Ellen

Friday 30th May 2008

7pm till midnight

£5 adults

£2.50 Children

Music by The Islay Accordian and Fiddle Band, highland dancing demonstration and young local singers.

Refreshments at interval.

The Final Fling at The Ramsay Hall

Port Ellen

Saturday 31st May 2008

10pm - 1am

Entry fee £5

Come along and enjoy our last night with our local band Contraband.

Open Fly Fishing Competition

Saturday 31st May

1pm-5pm

Finlaggan

Held courtesy of Islay Estates.  Sponsored by Black Bottle Whisky.

Entry £ adults, £1 Juniors

Clootie Dumpling Demonstration

Saturday 31st May 2008

1.30pm - 3.30pm

Demonstration with Kate MacAffer, held in the IDEAS resources Centre, Bowmore.

All entries for the competition must be in by 1pm.

Entry £4

Judging by Mary MacAulay

Feis Ile 2008 Celebrations

This years theme is the 21st Birthday of the Feis Ile

3pm start from the pier to the green where judging will take place.  Plenty going on for everyone.

Face painting

Puppet making

Bouncy Castle

BBQ

Stalls

Disco from 4-6pm

Ardbeg Distillery Festival Programme 2008

Wednesday 28^th May, Thursday 29^th May and Friday 30^th May 10am

Walk the walk on the peaty path to Airigh nam Beist.

For the Very Young, the Still Young and the Almost There. All ages welcome.

Dugga will accompany you with a couple of drams and a nibble and a bit of crack.

12 persons.    £10

Managers Tours

1430 daily from Monday 26^th to Friday 30^th May. Go head to head with Mr Heads and enjoy his company, pick his brains and learn more about the secrets of Ardbeg production. Conclude in the Chairman’s Study for a dram or two or three.

12 persons.    £10

Ardbeg Distillery Open Day

Saturday 31^st May All Day

Take a step along the peaty path with us at this year’s Festival where we will at last reach our destination. We are certainly Almost There!

Distillery Tours

Enjoy an untamed tour of the distillery…..not just your average tour. Tours from 0930 to 1530 every hour.

£5 per tour with free tasting glass

Talking Heads

Under the new pagoda in the old maltbarns. A few Heads are better than one and our manager, Mr Michael Heads, will be conducting a tasting of 6 Ardbegs in the barns, with the assistance of Yogi, Philco, Drew and Dugga. Good crack

30 persons     £15    1100 and 1400

Taking the Peaty Path 

Beginning in the old maltbarns……take a walk up the peaty path to our secondary water source…to the shelter of the Beast! Enjoy some crack with our warehousemen and a couple of drams as well.

12 per walk.   £10    1000, 1100, 1300 and 1400

Head to Head 1030

Taking the form of a pub quiz we will challenge you with general knowledge questions, whisky questions and of course Ardbeg questions. See how much you have learned about Ardbeg since the distilley re-opened. Win a bottle of our festival bottling.

All teams welcome on the top floor of the visitor centre.

Also new festival bottling available from Saturday 24^th May, music, good food in the Old Kiln Café, belly dancing, impromptu tastings, chats with our production staff and stunning weather all guaranteed!

 Bookings being taken from Friay 14th March 2008, please contact the distillery on 01496 302244.

Open Bowling Competition

Sunday 1st June

Port Ellen

Everyone welcome, names for players to be in by 1.45pm for a 2pm start.  Bowls are available for visiting players.

Entry £1

Guided Walk with James MacAuley

Sunday 1st June 2008

A walk to Cornabus Forestry.  Meet at 1.30pm at MacAulay and Torries shop in Port Ellen (on the corner of lennox Street and Frederick Crescent).  Bring a packed lunch.