Excerpts from issue 53/19 27 June 2026
Evening soirée
Saturday night saw 45 walkers take part in the Islay RNLI Yellow Sub 10km Night Walk around Dunlossit Estate at sunset, setting off from Ballygrant Hall, following the route to Keills and the first pit stop. Three refreshment and activity stops along the route helped keep spirits high. Once the walkers reached the woods around the Lily Loch, the midges provided extra motivation to keep moving at a brisk pace.
The final challenge at Ballygrant Loch could be heard echoing through the woods at dusk, as participants had to sing a song containing the word 'yellow' to earn their passage. At the finish, a hearty spread helped everyone refuel, while participants enjoyed a well-earned dram of Bruichladdich's new Yellow Submarine whisky.
The Islay RNLI fundraising team would like to thank Dunlossit Estate, Bruichladdich Distillery, Ballygrant Hall, the lifeboat crew, Fiona Thomson, Rae McKenzie, and Graham Pat.
At the time of going to press, the event had raised more than £800 for the RNLI, with additional sponsorship still to come.
Photo: Rae McKenzie
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Islay Book Festival 2026 - Celebrating 20 years of stories
Chinh Nguyen writes:
We're delighted to share the programme for the 2026 Islay Book Festival, taking place from 27–30 August.
This year is particularly special because it marks the 20th anniversary of the festival. What began in 2006 as a small initiative by a group of local book lovers, has grown into a much-loved cultural event that attracts readers, writers and visitors from across Scotland and beyond.
Despite that growth, the festival remains rooted in the island community and continues to celebrate the power of books to bring people together.
To mark this milestone, we have assembled one of our most exciting programmes yet, featuring bestselling authors, historians, poets, broadcasters, naturalists and local writers.
Among the headline guests is Booker Prize winner Douglas Stuart, who will discuss his new Hebridean-set novel, John of John. We are also thrilled to welcome acclaimed novelist Louise Welsh, whose latest thriller, 'The Cut Up', opens the festival at Port Ellen Primary School - the very venue where the first Islay Book Festival was held.
Other literary highlights include Jenni Fagan, whose imaginative new novel 'The Delusions' has been widely praised, historian and broadcaster Clare Jackson discussing her award-winning work on James VI & I, and bestselling novelist, C. J. Cooke, talking about her atmospheric new novel, 'The Last Witch'.
As always, the programme reflects the unique character of Islay. Local history and island life feature strongly this year. Stuart Graham will present his eagerly anticipated new book about Islay during the Second World War, while Peter Roberts will discuss his major new publication, 'The Birds of Islay and Jura', the result of years of research and observation.
Nature lovers will enjoy events with Mya-Rose Craig, aka Birdgirl, whose thoughtful work combines conservation, activism and a passion for birdwatching. She will also lead a family birdwatching event at Loch Gruinart. Conservationist Polly Pullar will launch her new book In the Company of Sheep, exploring the important role sheep have played in shaping rural life, culture and landscapes.
The festival also continues its commitment to Gaelic language and culture. We are delighted to welcome Professor Moray Watson to discuss 'A' Hobat', his acclaimed Gaelic translation of 'The Hobbit'. Poetry fans can look forward to hearing from former Edinburgh Makar, Hannah Lavery, whose latest collection explores memory, identity and everyday life.
Of course, Islay Book Festival has always been about more than books. This year's programme includes a whisky-themed event with renowned spirits writer Ian Buxton, a literary pub quiz, a sporting evening with broadcasting legend Dougie Donnelly and a special food event with chef and author Julie Lin.
Community involvement remains at the heart of everything we do. Alongside the public programme, Eilidh Muldoon, Justin Davies, Mya-Rose Craig, Moray Watson and Jenni Fagan will visit local schools, Stuart Graham will give a talk about his new book to the Islay Senior Citizens group, while Sandra Ireland will hold a writing workshop with the Islay Cancer Support group and visit Gortanvogie Care Home. These visits ensure that the festival reaches far beyond its venues and provides opportunities for people of all ages to engage with books, ideas and creativity.
Our schools programme continues to be one of the most important parts of the festival. Pupils across Islay will meet visiting authors, illustrators and storytellers, including Mya-Rose Craig, Jenni Fagan, Moray Watson, Eilidh Muldoon, Justin Davies and Linda Macleod. Secondary school students will also have opportunities to hear from leading writers and learn more about creative careers.
The festival's creative writing competition will once again encourage young people to share their stories and develop their talents, helping nurture the next generation of island writers.
As we celebrate twenty years of Islay Book Festival, we would like to thank everyone who has helped make the festival such a success: our volunteers, schools, venues, supporters, sponsors, authors and audiences.
Over the coming weeks, we'll be sharing more festival news, author features and event updates. Tickets are now available to book on our website: www.islaybookfestival.co.uk
If you are planning to attend and do not live on Islay, we encourage you to book your travel arrangements (CalMac or Loganair) and accommodation as soon as possible, as the island does fill up during the summer. We hope you'll join us in celebrating this special anniversary year.
We look forward to welcoming you to Islay Book Festival 2026.
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In this week's issue:
Port Ellen Playing Fields Pavilion finally officially opens, Bowmore Primary's Colour Run, Council's roads programme, Developing Gaelic on Islay, Cantilena Festival, Mikeysline on Islay, I&J Sick Children's Fund update, IHS Youth Philanthropic Initiative, More houses for Port Ellen, RNLI's evening soiree, Book Review - Readable Edition, Of Mice and Men, Ardbeg Triples Bowling, Craig Walker's Walk on the Wild Side, Jazz Festival weekender tickets, Running Club 24hr Run, Quilters' Exhibition, Banking review, 2026 Islay Book Festival, High School Dux, Mactaggart Centre upgrade works.
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Islay Jazz Festival
An all-inclusive limited release pass to this year's Caol Ila Islay Jazz Festival went on sale this past week, guaranteeing your seat to the concerts that you'd like to see. Once purchased, you'll receive an email when priority booking opens (27 July), and you will have seven days to preview a copy of the programme before the official public release and tickets go on general sale. Concert selection will be undertaken via email with the team from Jazz Scotland, who'll be able to guide you through the process, book your shows and create a tailored festival experience. The price of £160 (saving between 10-20% compared with booking concerts separately) also includes a Caol Ila Festival Gift Pack with a pack of miniatures, a dram glass, exclusive discounts and more.
The Festival takes place from 11 - 13 September.
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This is Islay
2026 Podcast of the Year featuring individuals, personalities and features of Islay and Jura. Listen now at https://anchor.fm/thisisislay
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