Doorstep Drams
DOORSTEP DRAMS
Islay locals enjoy a Doorstep Dram as they look forward to welcoming visitors back to the Island this summer.
June 2021,
Islay, Inner Hebrides, Scotland
Mac-Talla has teamed up with Islay locals to raise a glass this Father’s Day. Mac-Talla enlisted local business owners to enjoy a Doorstep Dram with their dads, ahead of this celebratory day on Sunday 20th June 2021.
After a challenging year the islanders are looking forward to opening their doors to visitors this summer, and being able to spend quality time with friends and family again, and what better way than to enjoy an Islay single malt whisky.
Scroll down to get to know the families behind the pictures, including their insider knowledge of the best things to do and see when visiting Islay.
Islay Woollen Mill
Gordon, Sheila and Marcus Covell
The Islay Woollen Mill produces an excellent range of top quality woven fabrics, much in demand by the Hollywood film industry, with designs featured in Braveheart, Forrest Gump and Rob Roy.
How long have you and your family lived on Islay?
40 years
You took part in our Father's Day campaign and are featured alongside your dad in the pictures, describe him in three words:
3 words are not enough!
Do you have anything nice planned for this Father's Day (since the last one was spent in the middle of a pandemic)?
Nothing planned - just another day!
You run your own business, tell me about it:
We make traditional tweeds on Victorian looms, for estates, film productions, international tailors and retail
How have you and your family been affected by the pandemic?
The business lacked profits, as a family the lack of socialising was noticeable, but we are blessed with so much space to exercise
Now that your doors are opening again, why should someone come and visit Islay?
Space to relax, quality local supplies for food and highland welcome.
Tell us your top three things to do when visiting the island:
Visit a distillery, visit the Mill, enjoy a good meal with local produce, and if whisky is not your thing then walk, read, enjoy the wildlife.
You got to taste our Mac-Talla Terra Whisky, what did you think of it?
Whisky - Mac-Talla- was very mellow and very enjoyable.
Spirited Soaps
Gemma & Lachie Maclean
Spirited Soaps produce handmade soaps using whisky and gin from Islay & Jura, using natural ingredients.
How long have you and your family lived on Islay?
My mum was born & raised here, my Dad moved over in 1985 and I have been here all of my life – minus a couple of years for travelling!
You took part in our Father's Day campaign and are featured alongside your dad in the pictures, describe him in three words:
Supportive, caring, strong.
Do you have anything nice planned for this Father's Day (since the last one was spent in the middle of a pandemic)?
Hopefully it’ll be a nice sunny day and we can enjoy a picnic at the beach. If not, then I’m sure a pub lunch will go down just as well!
You run your own business, tell me about it:
I do yes, Spirited Soaps based in Bowmore on the Isle of Islay. I took over the business 6 years ago with a lot of help and support from my Dad. We make whisky soaps, a gin soap and a rum soap, along with lots of other lovely scents. To make a transparent soap you need to use alcohol, being based on the ‘Whisky Isle’ turning to whisky was the obvious answer!
How have you and your family been affected by the pandemic?
We are lucky that most of us live on the islands so we were still able to see one another during lockdown, albeit from afar at times! We would meet to walk our dogs on one of the many beaches and catch up. As restrictions relaxed and other family members were allowed to come over it was so good to spend with each other. I think the enforced time apart has made us all closer.
Now that your doors are opening again, why should someone come and visit Islay?
Islay has so much to offer every member of your family! We have a great selection of distilleries dotted across the island. We have some of the most spectacular beaches to explore. We have woodlands walks and cliff paths that offer amazing views. We have a superb selection of restaurants and cafes to eat out at. Golf course, swimming pool, Outback Art trip, Peatzeria, museum, Persabus Pottery visit, natural history center, boat trips, fishing, wildlife tours, Jura trips and to visit the best wee soap shop around.
Tell us your top three things to do when visiting the island:
Take a walk through Bridgend Woods, it has something beautiful to offer at any time of the year. Chat to the locals wherever you go, we’re always happy to have a gab and tell you about the best places to visit. Get down to Machair Bay for a sunset one evening, its a favourite spot.
You got to taste our Mac-Talla Terra Whisky, what did you think of it?
Surprisingly smooth! From the first smell it reminded me of a Bowmore dram but when you had a sip it went down very well. Not overly peaty, just right!
Peatzeria
Sharon McGurl and family
A childhood dream turned reality. Peatzeria is a modern bistro-style restaurant in Bowmore Islay, serving delicious pizzas (with toppings such as Islay lobster and scallops) with stunning views of Lochindaal.
How long have you and your family lived on Islay?
We were all born and brought up on Islay, my parents are both 83 years old this year and never moved away, I lived on the mainland from the age of 17 until the age of 48 when I returned to open Peatzeria.
You took part in our Father's Day campaign and are featured alongside your dad in the pictures, describe him in three words:
One in a million, loving, loyal.
Do you have anything nice planned for this Father's Day (since the last one was spent in the middle of a pandemic)?
We will be working in the restaurant and will have my dad in for lunch.
You run your own business, tell me about it:
We returned to Islay to open Peatzeria in 2017, my sister Caroline, her husband David and myself and Paul are all business partners, it was always my sisters dream to open a restaurant on Islay to offer the locals something different, it is hard work but very rewarding and we love seeing happy customers.
How have you and your family been affected by the pandemic?
Luckily all my family has been fine health wise, the major effect has been on the business but hopefully we are on the right road now.
Now that your doors are opening again, why should someone come and visit Islay?
Fresh Air, stunning beaches, friendly locals and visit Peatzeria.
Tell us your top three things to do when visiting the island:
Distillery Tours, amazing walks and beaches, visit Peatzeria.
You got to taste our Mac-Talla Terra Whisky, what did you think of it?
Loved the flavour, will definitely sell in my bar!
Islay Oysters
Tony and Craig Archibald
Founded in 1987, Islay Oysters is run by the Archibald Family. The oysters are grown on the east side of Loch Gruinart, a tidal estuary on the north coast of Islay. The Gulf stream keeps Islay’s waters warm enough to provide the perfect conditions for delicious oysters.
How long have you and your family lived on Islay?
We have lived on Islay for 50 years.
You took part in our Father's Day campaign and are featured alongside your dad in the pictures, describe him in three words:
A worker, old and generous with his time for local charities.
Do you have anything nice planned for this Father's Day (since the last one was spent in the middle of a pandemic)?
We usually go out for a nice lunch or dinner.
You run your own business, tell me about it:
We run a farm with 1000 breeding ewes, 230 cows and we also run an oyster farm and a holiday cottage.
How have you and your family been affected by the pandemic?
The island has been very quiet so it has affected our oyster sales and also our holiday cottage.
Now that your doors are opening again, why should someone come and visit Islay?
Because the island is beautiful.
Tell us your top three things to do when visiting the island.
The distilleries are the main pull but also the beautiful beaches and the people. The Islay museum, Finlaggan trust and the American monument on the Oa.
You got to taste our Mac-Talla Terra Whisky, what did you think of it?
Very smooth.
Glenegedale House
Graeme, Emma and Cameron Clark
This award-winning guesthouse on the Isle of Islay provides wholesome Scottish food, roaring peat fires with indulgent surroundings and the warmest of welcomes.
How long have you and your family lived on Islay?
Cameron has lived on Islay since he was nine years old although we have always had a house as his grandparents both sides are Ileachs Graeme for the last nine years. Cameron’s paternal grandparents were from the North West of the island and his maternal grandparents are from the South of the island.
You took part in our Father's Day campaign and are featured alongside your dad in the pictures, describe him in three words:
I asked Cameron to describe Graeme (his dad) in three words Patient, Strong and Kind.
Do you have anything nice planned for this Father's Day (since the last one was spent in the middle of a pandemic)?
Graeme and Cameron will enjoy a long beach walk along the Big Strand beach on fathers day and then a nice seafood lunch at Glenegedale followed by a dram in the evening together putting the world to rights and making plans for the future.
You run your own business, tell me about it:
Our business is the award winning Five Star Gold Glenegedale House Hotel on the island of Islay offering guests personal bespoke service in a luxury environment.
How have you and your family been affected by the pandemic?
Our family was affected by the pandemic through the closing of hospitality business which almost crippled our business and did alter all our plans for the next ten years but as a whole we have been lucky. We are all still here and have been blessed by time together in a beautiful part of the world.
Now that your doors are opening again, why should someone come and visit Islay?
Everyone should visit Islay as it is a special place that just fills you with warmth and as much or as little adventure as you wish. The wildlife, scenery and people will engulf you in our true island hospitality that leaves everyone with a smile. The memories that are created here are ones that bring people back to Islay time and time again not to mention that all important “instagramable snap”.
Tell us your top three things to do when visiting the island:
As for coming to Glenegedale House. Our guests say it’s a once in a lifetime experience, however 85% of our guests are repeat visitors as they cannot wait to return for another fix of Glenegedale.
