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" To get to the Isle of Islay, one goes either by ferry or by air. Service by air is from Glasgow Airport. There is a car ferry out of Kennicraig to Port Ellen on the south of Islay, or Port Askaig on the northeast. One very nice feature is that it is not necessary to return to the mainland from the same port. To go by way of Port Ellen and return via Port Askaig means that one gets to stop by the island of Colonsay, and then go further north to land at Oban, not too far from Fort William. The cost is the same.
Public transportation on Islay is very poor indeed. Most of the places you may wish to visit are off beaten paths. Therefore it is almost mandatory to have a car. Visitors under the age of 70 will have no trouble renting a car in Port Ellen. Those over 70 are not eligible for car rental in England from franchise rental services, such as Hertz, etc. However, there is a firm in Paisley (a suburb of Glasgow) called the Melville Car Hire (telephone #014-848-5757) who will rent to those over 70, providing you have a valid USA driver's license. They will pick you up at the airport and take you back when you leave.
If one's research is for the name Gillespie, the interest will definitely be in the northern part of the island. I've not discovered a single Gillespie south of Bonmore, the capital city, and about the middle of the island. Should the research include working in the southern part also for other names, there is a very nice Bed and Breakfast in Port Ellen called The Trout Fly Guest House. It's but a city block from the pier at Port Ellen. In the centre and north of the island there is a pleasant hotel at Bridgend (which is a bit pricey) and another great B & B in Bruichladdich (pronouced brick-lad-die) operated by Janis and Peter McDonald.
In either Bridgend or Bruichladdich you are central to the museum at Port Charlotte, the Historical Society in Bowmore, and not far from Flinlaggan. Do call the museum to see what day Rober McWee will be there--he is a walking encylopedia of genealogical information about Islay, and always welcomes visitors.
You may wish to visit cemeteries. There is a large one in Bowmore, another at Bridgend, one at Kilnave up on the shore of Loch Gruinart. Unfortunately, the cemetery at Kilchoman (privately owned) is almost completely overgrown and the stones impossible to read. However, the one at Kilnave is superbly managed. Be sure to visit the ruins and museum near Loch Finlaggan.
Restaurants do not abound on the island. There is a good one at the hotel in Brudgend. Should your travels take you to Port Charlotte, there is another good restaurant across the street from the museum."
Mr. Sheil may be contacted directly at [email protected]
[email protected]