The Hebridean Island of Islay is the perfect place for a holiday for all the family - especially those wishing to 'get away from it all'. Here's some starter information.

There is so much wildlife that you're never more than a blink away from something new. Bring your best binoculars, and just sit at our window. Or go to the RSPB reserve at Loch Gruinart (10 minutes) or on the Oa on the South of the island.

Islay is known to every whisky aficianado around the world. We have two distilleries nearby: the wonderful Bruichladdich (the best tour, the best shop), and the new Kilchoman at Rockside (with farm shop, crafts, cafe and horse riding).

The food on Islay has improved over the years. There is great local produce - oysters, venison and lamb of course. We love the walled community vegetable garden at Islay House, where you can also pick up one of the Islay Ales - a micro-brewery. There are also mini supermarkets, and a range of hotels, bars and restaurants.

Apart from walking all day, there are glistening beaches, hidden rockpools and some sandy coves safe for swimming. There are craft shopping opportunities, historic sites (such as Finlaggan, Kildalton), sea safaris, bikes for hire, and horse-riding nearby. Once a week in summer (Wednesdays) you can pop over to Colonsay, and there's a regular shuttle ferry through the day to Jura.

The weather seems more dynamic than on the mainland. We've walked in shirtsleeves on the beach on Christmas Day, but we have also had roaring fires going in summer time. Just look at the sky each morning and decide where to go.