Weather forecast for today was bad – wind and rain, so we decided to start our tour of the distilleries. We headed off down to the South East of the island. First stop was Laphroaig where Matt claimed his square foot of peat bog (he’s a Friend of Laphroaig), and got his certificate and free dram. The girl in the shop took a liking to Tom (who was being simultaneously mad and shy) so he became a member too, as did I. Tom got his free dram which we have confiscated until he is 18. We then got some flags and went across to the peat bog to claim our land. A good marketing ploy, we enjoyed ourselves, and Matt spent more money in the shop as a result.
Forgot to say, the weather man got it very wrong today, it was gorgeous – clear blue sky, Laphroaig was nestled right on the shore, a stunning location, so we explored a little and took many photos.
Next stop was Lagavulin. A much smaller shop, and believe it or not, Matt wasn’t tempted by any of their whisky, but another stunning setting on the coast, near a ruined castle.
We then drove about 7 miles along the coast, past palm trees, to the Kildalton Cross, one of the oldest (8th century) and best preserved Celtic crosses anywhere in the Celtic lands – it was in remarkable condition for its age. There was nobody about, so we larked about in the church yard for a bit – even Wilby had a run out, much to his enjoyment. This is the sheltered side of the island, and as a result is much lusher and less bleak than the wind-blasted hillside where we’re staying.
By now it was lunchtime and we were hungry, so we headed off to Ardbeg, whose restaurant has had nothing but good write-ups. We were found a table and looked at the menu - the Argyll Paella tempted me, and WOW, it was one of the best dishes I have had in ages – beautiful rice and sauce with the softest calamari I have ever had, mussels and langoustines. 
Everything about it was amazing. Unfortunately Tom thought so too and ate pretty much half the rice, 3 calamaris and 2 mussels (can’t complain though, he had good taste!) I, once again ended up having pudding to make up for my lack of lunch, and Matt ended up purchasing a bottle.
It was getting on for 3pm by now so we headed off to Bowmore to stock up on meat for the week. I was hoping to find a butcher but failed so ended up buying everything in Co-op (only to discover a butcher on the way out of town). We visited the distillery shop, but left empty-handed. Explored the shops on the high street – looking for souvenirs, couldn’t find much – Islay is one of the least known of the Hebrides and as a result isn’t really set up for souvenirs.
We then headed back home, almost 5pm before we got back. A fantastic day, the good weather really making it for us.
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