Hello Ken There was a time when I would have been happy and confident to have come up with recommendations but I think you are now better off researching places to stay and go on the web and taking heed of the ratings that are very easy to come by. That is particularly the case for Edinburgh and Glasgow, but also to some extent for Islay as well. A good starting point for Islay accommodation is www.islayinfo.com (and in case you use a fussy search engine please be advised that in the UK we always talk about accommodation not accommodations). Accommodation on Islay can be in short supply, especially during special events like Feis Ile (the Islay Festival), the whisky festival, the Islay Show and the Port Ellen beach rugby tournament, so try to find out their dates and avoid them unless you want to attend the events. It is never safe to arrive on Islay without pre-arranged accommodation. You do not say whether you would be travelling by public transport or a hired (rented) car. If the latter, you need to book space on the ferry as early as possible, and even so there is always the possibility of disruption to ferry services, as is the case just now when one of the two ferries is in dry dock for repair. You can fly to Islay from Glasgow and hire a car when you get there (one of the car hire companies is based very close to the airport), or you can get a coach (bus) from Glasgow to the ferry port, Kennacraig. They are run by Scottish Citylink (www.citylink.co.uk) and are very comfortable. The ferries are run by Caledonian MacBrayne (www.calmac.co.uk). Fares on the coach are much cheaper if booked well in advance. It is possible just to turn up and go without booking but this is not entirely safe at busy times. If travelling as a foot passenger on the ferry there is no need to book ahead. There are bus services on Islay but they are not very frequent (see www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/btt196-450-451.pdf) and do not take you to some of the most beautiful parts of the island like the Oa, Loch Gruinart and the west coast bays at Machir (Kilchoman) and Saligo, though since most of the island is beautiful you can still reach many stunning locations that way. Many tourists make an arrangement with one of the local taxi companies to pick them up and take them where they want to go each day. Some of them will also devise itineraries to cater for special interests like bird watching or distillery tours. Again you will find information on www.islayinfo.com. If as your planning progresses you have any more specific questions, please feel free to ask again and I will try to help. Best regards John -----Original Message----- From: Ken Harrison via Sent: Monday, August 1, 2016 1:36 AM To: Query Islay Subject: [SCT-ISLAY] Advice on Islay travel Listers, I have been reading and saving for almost a decade various tips you have posted about travel to, in and around Islay, and about accommodations there. Now I am hoping for some updates. I am planning a family trip to Islay (also including Edinburgh and Glasgow this time). I'm quite familiar with Edinburgh and Glasgow, but have never got closer to Islay than to look across the strait. .......... Ken Harrison North Vancouver, Canada --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus