📌 Ballygrant, Isle of Islay
★★
In the 14th and 15th centuries, a huge swathe of western Scotland and its countless islands were the domain of the Lordship of the Isles, a far-reaching title held by the chiefs of Clan Donald. The unlikely centre of all this was Finlaggan, a pair of islands on a loch on the Isle of Islay. A long footbridge now provides a link to the first island, and the link to its ruined chapel and other buildings. The link to the so-called Cradle of Clan Donald is less visually obvious: most of the surviving structures were actually built in more recent times and have no link to the former power base. Nevertheless, the islands’ historical significance mean they deserve a visit, with interpretation boards and a small but helpful visitor centre to explain what you’re looking at. The nearby Ballygrant Inn serves superb evening meals and lighter lunches, with one of the most extensive whisky selections you’re likely to find anywhere.
🌍 Location
📌 At minor road end 1 mi north of Ballygrant, Isle of Islay
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NR 392685
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 55.838860,-6.167703
❌ No public transport within 1 mi – nearest bus stop is on A846 at Auchnaclach (1.5 mi)
🚗 Car park
📝 Key info
⌚ Island: always open. Visitor centre open Monday to Saturday, probably April to October
🎫 £4 adult / free for children; by donation when visitor centre closed
💬 From the visitor centre it’s a 10-min walk (each way) to Finlaggan itself on a grassy path (⬤ Easy).
