# Islay > southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, UK **Wikidata**: [Q273](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q273) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islay) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/islay ## Summary Islay is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, UK. It is renowned for its whisky production, particularly the Islay single malt whisky region, and is home to notable distilleries like Laphroaig and Kilchoman. The island is part of the Inner Hebrides archipelago and has a population of around 3,457 people. ## Key Facts - **Location**: Southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, Argyll and Bute, Scotland, UK - **Population**: Approximately 3,457 residents (2023 estimates) - **Coordinates**: Latitude 55.766666666667°, Longitude -6.15° - **Whisky Region**: Official Scotch whisky production area, known for Islay single malt whisky - **Notable Distilleries**: Laphroaig (established 1815), Kilchoman (established 2005) - **Airport**: Islay Airport serves the island - **Village**: Bowmore is a key settlement on the island - **Parent Region**: Part of the Inner Hebrides archipelago - **Administrative Division**: Located within Argyll and Bute council area (established 1996) - **Country**: United Kingdom (inception dates: 1927-04-12, 1921-12-06) - **Sitelink Count**: 53 (Wikipedia) ## FAQs **What makes Islay famous?** Islay is famous for its whisky production, particularly the Islay single malt whisky region, which includes distilleries like Laphroaig and Kilchoman. The island's rugged landscape and historic distilleries contribute to its reputation as a key Scotch whisky destination. **How many people live on Islay?** As of recent estimates, Islay has a population of around 3,457 residents, with some variations in official counts. **What is the Islay single malt whisky region?** The Islay single malt whisky region is an official Scotch whisky production area on the island of Islay, known for its peaty and smoky flavor profile. It includes several historic and modern distilleries. **Which distilleries are located on Islay?** Notable distilleries on Islay include Laphroaig (established 1815) and Kilchoman (established 2005), both of which produce single malt Scotch whisky. **What is the climate like on Islay?** Islay has a maritime climate typical of the Inner Hebrides, characterized by cool temperatures, frequent rainfall, and strong winds. The island's coastal location influences its weather patterns. **How do I get to Islay?** Islay Airport serves the island, providing air travel connections. Ferries and road transport are also available for travel between Islay and the Scottish mainland. ## Why It Matters Islay holds significant cultural and economic importance as a key producer of Scotch whisky, particularly the Islay single malt whisky region. The island's distilleries, such as Laphroaig and Kilchoman, contribute to Scotland's global whisky industry. Islay's whisky is renowned for its distinct flavor profile, often described as peaty and smoky, which has earned it a prestigious reputation among whisky enthusiasts. The island's whisky production also supports local tourism, with visitors drawn to its historic distilleries and scenic landscapes. Additionally, Islay's whisky industry has influenced global whisky trends and has been recognized for its contributions to the Scotch whisky category. The island's unique whisky heritage and natural beauty make it a notable destination for whisky lovers and travelers alike. ## Notable For - **Whisky Production**: Home to the Islay single malt whisky region, known for its peaty and smoky flavor profile - **Historic Distilleries**: Includes Laphroaig (established 1815), one of Scotland's oldest whisky distilleries - **Modern Distilleries**: Features Kilchoman (established 2005), a contemporary whisky producer - **Tourism**: Attracts visitors with its whisky distilleries, coastal landscapes, and cultural heritage - **Economic Impact**: Supports local tourism and contributes to Scotland's whisky industry - **Global Recognition**: Islay whisky is renowned worldwide for its distinct taste and quality - **Scenic Beauty**: Offers rugged coastal scenery and historic sites, enhancing its appeal as a travel destination ## Body ### Geography and Location Islay is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, UK. It is located at coordinates latitude 55.766666666667° and longitude -6.15°. The island is part of the Inner Hebrides archipelago and is known for its rugged coastline and scenic landscapes. Islay has a population of approximately 3,457 residents, with some variations in official counts. ### Whisky Production Islay is renowned for its whisky production, particularly the Islay single malt whisky region. The island is home to several historic and modern distilleries, including Laphroaig (established 1815) and Kilchoman (established 2005). These distilleries produce single malt Scotch whisky, known for its distinct peaty and smoky flavor profile. The Islay whisky region is officially recognized for its Scotch whisky production, contributing to Scotland's global whisky industry. ### Transportation and Infrastructure Islay Airport serves the island, providing air travel connections. The airport has a sitelink count of 14, indicating its importance as a transportation hub. Ferries and road transport are also available for travel between Islay and the Scottish mainland. The island's transportation infrastructure supports tourism and local travel. ### Settlements and Economy Bowmore is a key village on Islay, with a sitelink count of 22, reflecting its significance as a local settlement. The village contributes to the island's economy and cultural heritage. The Islay whisky industry supports local tourism, with visitors drawn to the island's distilleries and scenic landscapes. The island's economy is also influenced by its whisky production and tourism. ### Administrative and Political Context Islay is located within the Argyll and Bute council area, which was established in 1996. The council area is part of the United Kingdom, a sovereign state with a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary system of government. The United Kingdom has a rich history and diverse culture, with significant contributions to global politics, arts, and economics. ### Cultural and Historical Significance Islay's whisky production has a long history, with distilleries like Laphroaig dating back to 1815. The island's whisky is renowned for its distinct flavor profile, often described as peaty and smoky. Islay's whisky has earned a prestigious reputation among whisky enthusiasts and has influenced global whisky trends. The island's cultural heritage and natural beauty make it a notable destination for whisky lovers and travelers. ## References 1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 2. Virtual International Authority File 3. MusicBrainz 4. [Source](http://www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk/documents/censusresults/release1c/rel1c2sb.pdf) 5. [Source](https://www.ainmean-aite.scot/?id=40477) 6. GeoNames 7. BBC Things 8. [Source](https://www.bbc.com/things/)