Excerpts from issue 53/14 18 April 2026
Leonard Russell, Tom Russell and Malcolm Rennie at the filling of the first cask.
Laggan Bay's first steps
Laggan Bay distillery, adjacent to Islay Ales new brewery at Glenegedale, opposite Islay Airport, filled its first cask on Thursday 2 April.
To mark the occasion, Leonard Russell, Managing Director of Ian Macleod Distillers (IMD), and his son Tom Russell, IMD's Head of International Business Development, together with Distillery Manager, Malcolm Rennie, celebrated the start of production and the long-term commitment behind the distillery.
As it establishes itself, the business is focused on being a serious contributor to the Islay community, through local employment and ongoing investment. The distillery will take part in Fèis Ìle this year on 31 May, the site opening its doors for the event, offering an early opportunity to experience the distillery and meet the team.
Leonard Russell said, "Filling the first cask at Laggan Bay is an important moment for us as a family business. We have built this distillery with a long‑term vision, knowing the whisky will grow its own character. We are not here to replicate what Islay already has; we’re here to add to it, with a whisky shaped by its place, our people, and the choices we make from the start."
Malcolm Rennie said, "Coming home to Islay to help shape Laggan Bay single malt is something I'm proud of. It's a rare chance to create a new whisky with a strong sense of place, rooted in the character and traditions that define Islay."
The distillery has been designed with a clear focus on sustainable environmental management. The site incorporates wetlands to manage liquid waste and support local wildlife. The business will explore renewable energy solutions in partnership with other local organisations.
With the first cask now filled, Laggan Bay Distillery begins the process of distilling a new Islay single malt whisky. Details on style, cask programme and future releases will be shared as the whisky develops.
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Fiona Henderson - Flat Rock Fine Art
I grew up listening to the old Port Wemyss villagers’ tales of local folklore, myths and history of Islay. I spent every holiday in Port Wemyss with my grandmother Morag Macnab. I would listen to conversations and stories in Gaelic between my family and other villagers. My time was filled exploring and by helping with work on the land and with livestock on the croft. If I was lucky, I joined an occasional trip to Orsay to check on sheep and cattle.
I have explored Islay's beaches, hills and gullies; been fishing off the Rhinns, swum in rock pools and the icy Atlantic. As I grow older, my interest has turned to my ancestry and Islay history. I walk on ancient duns; study old gravestones and chapels all over Islay. I research the Norse-Gael Kings, the saints from Ireland, the Gaelic language and old archaeological sites, wondering what stories I can turn into art. Even now, I am lucky to have a neighbour in Port Wemyss who is a seannachie - storyteller - who preserves and tells the tales of history and lore to future generations.
I graduated from Glasgow College in Art & Design in the early 1990s. I put down my art tools for more than three decades and then, around five years ago, I picked up stones and then slates and started drawing and designing again. I now work with old roof slates, giving them a new lease of life and present my interpretation of the Islay stories. Each slate is hand-crafted, making them individual and unique. I use acrylic paint for the images and varnish to soften the harsh edges. Flat Rock Fine Art is currently exhibiting at Islay's Gaelic Centre in Bowmore until the end of May. For anyone who wishes to contact me privately with details regarding possible commissions, please send an e-mail to flatrockfineart@gmail.com
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In this week's issue:
Morrison Court runs out of money, More ferry chaos, Port Askaig to close, Laggan Bay's first fill, Easter lifeboat callout, Sheep worrying, Easter Duck Derby, T in the Church Easter Bonnets, RNLI Book Sale, Hebrides by tractor, Surnaig cake box, Windswept Easter Eggs, Perry Green, IHS volunteer mentoring, Flat Rock Fine Art exhibition, Ella Edgar Dancers' successes, Islay Coastal Rowing Club, Charlène Busalli's book column, The joys of reading, Jura news, Planet Youth on Islay, Music review - Unsung Songs; David Bowden.
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Jura news
JamDram christens new stage
Thanks to fundraising efforts across Jura and Islay, JamDram's brand new stage had its first outing on 27-28 March, with two sold-out performances at Craighouse village hall.
'Island Spirit', written by Jura's Tim Mee and performed by Beyond the Blue, opened the weekend with a musical tale of a young Polish woman discovering her island roots. Nina Blaszczyk's vocals and Phil Baggaley's guitar had the audience spellbound.
The second performance, 'A Fairy Unexpected Night' by Iain MacDonald, brought local folklore to life in a comedy set in a derelict bothy. Alba and Grace sparkled as mischievous fairies, with standout performances from Guy Morlock, Hilary Mee, Sheena Gow, Philippa McCallum, Roddy and Georgia Lowe, Tom Askew, and Maggie Boyle.
The new stage is already proving its worth for Jura's thriving theatre community. If you would like to hire the stage for your community event please get in touch jamdram.org
New Wild Sauna Opens
Bothan Jura Retreat has launched a mobile, wood-fired Wild Sauna which will be popping up at different locations on Jura. The new facility offers direct sea access for cold water immersion when at Corran Sands or in the village. When at the retreat there’s an ice barrel! For bookings visit jurasauna.co.uk and if travelling over from Islay please ask for discount code and ferry ticket discount. Private hire available and private sessions available.
Jura Passenger Ferry Returns
Do you find it frustrating (or even possible) to book on the CalMac ferry? The Jura Passenger Ferry offers the fastest route to Jura from the Scottish mainland. The scenic 50-minute crossing from Tayvallich to Craighouse runs April through September. Book at jurapassengerferry.com or call 07768 450 000.
Spring Opening Hours
Check out isleofjura.scot for latest opening hours of all businesses on Jura.
The Antlers Bakehouse & Bar is now open Wednesday-Saturday in April. Wednesday and Thursday 10:30am-4pm, Friday 10:30am-4pm & 5:30-8:30pm, Saturday 11:30am-4pm.
The Jura Hotel continues to welcome visitors with accommodation, dining, and their newly refurbished restaurant, celebrating locally sourced ingredients and dishes that change with the seasons. Book at jurahotel.co.uk or call 01496 820243.
Pi Davidson
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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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