Port Ellen

Port Ellen is a village with a population of around 1000, it is situated on the south of the island, grid reference NR365455. It has 3 shops and a post office, the shops are Iain Laurie's Newsagents ( daily papers and magazines, groceries, deli counter and much more including fishing tackle and permits, solid fuel is also available), McAuley and Torries (groceries, hardware and more), and the local Co-op (groceries, cdf baking, frozen and chilled food, lottery and paypoint).

One of the main attractions to Port Ellen is its close proximaty to 3 of the islands best distilleries, Laphroaig http://www.laphroaig.com/ , Lagavulin and Ardbeg http://www.ardbeg.com/ , all are within walking distance of the village and Ardbeg also offers teas and lunches at its cafe.

There are 2 good beaches in the village, the White Hart beach and Leodamus beach. Both are clean and safe and are in the heart of the village. A short walk of about 1 mile will take you on to Kilnoughton beach with its long sweeping sands and a bit further on is the singing sands, just past the lighthouse.

Ther is one main hotel in Port Ellen, The White Hart, http://www.whiteharthotelislay.com/ which has been done up to a high standard, boasting 2 bars and a restaraunt the hotel is very welcoming. The other hotel in the village is currently being completely rebuilt and should be ready for opening in early 2009. The village also offers an abundance of B&B's which can be found on our link....http://www.portellenanglingclub.co.uk/page_1204399847785.html

The village has the main ferry harbour wher the Cal-mac feeries berth for loading and unloading both vehicles and foot passengers which is the most popular transport route to and from the Island. It is also the closest village to the island's airport which is only 4.5 miles away.