Hugh Smith’s letter from Islay
Fèis Ìle is still going strong
VISITORS have arrived in droves on these shores to attend Fèis Ìle 2018, the island’s annual festival of music and malt which began on Friday last and runs until Saturday.
Holiday accommodation is now at a premium, as campervans and mobile homes on narrow island roads engender mixed feelings, and tents seem to spring up in the most unexpected places.
All the local distilleries, including their neighbouring Jura counterpart, are pulling out all the stops with open days, special bottlings and other distilling-based activities.
Musical entertainment includes a number of firm favourites, all showcasing the island’s rich cultural heritage, although the programme’s Gaelic input remains thin on the ground.
All began on Friday with a garden fete hosted by the Scottish Malt Whisky Society in soaring temperatures in the grounds of the Islay House Hotel.
Friday also saw the official start to the festival proper with a gala on the village green at Port Ellen. This was a family-friendly event which culminated with an impressive fireworks display.
Saturday saw the opening fling ceilidh with Reely Jiggered doing their stuff in Port Ellen’s Ramsay Hall, and the fly fishing competition provided more sedentary pursuits on Loch Finlaggan.
Bruichladdich Distillery’s open day on Sunday always attracts large crowds and this year’s event was no exception, and the ends at the bowling competition at the Bridgend greens were keenly contested.
The festival content continued with ceilidh dancing classes at Port Ellen, whisky nosing and a ceilidh in the Ramsay Hall, and the launch of the island’s new Nerabus Gin at Bruichladdich.
The clootie dumpling ceilidh, now in a new setting at Islay House Square, continues to appeal, as will the entertainment on offer at the traditional concert in the local high school tonight (Thursday May 31).
Laughs aplenty were provided by broadcaster and comedian Fred MacAulay, more mirth came from whisky bard Robin Laing, and a merging of cheese and whisky at Portnahaven, and ‘layers and flavours’ at Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle added zing to all jaded palates.
Master distiller Jim McEwan was in top form at the Ardnahoe Kinship tasting evenings at Ballygrant, while the folk music night at Ardbeg Distillery delighted the record crowd in attendance.
Pleasing weather was a decided bonus for the festival goers, and the final fling takes place on Saturday night in the Ramsay Hall where the musicians from Dougal’s Jumper and Heron Valley will provide a memorable finale.
Fèis Ìle is now in its 34th year and shows no sign of slacking as it continues to attract increasing global support, which makes it the island’s premier social event.
Beach rugby
ANOTHER of the island’s major attractions is the beach rugby tournament which is taking place at Port Ellen’s north bay sands on Saturday June 9, beginning at 1pm.
Visiting male and female teams will descend on the island, all prepared to ‘eat sand’ and ceilidh far into the night.
Spectators will also have the opportunity to watch the island club’s minis in action and be impressed by the commitment and skills being displayed by the boys’ and girls’ squads carrying the colours of Islay High School.
Sponsoring the tournament for the third year in succession is Kilchoman Distillery, which is among the major supporters of local causes.
Proceeds from this year’s event will go to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
This was set up after the Scottish international rugby player and Borders farmer Doddie Weir was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease last year, and monies raised will be used to support research into the debilitating conditions and to help affected families.
Prospective stallholders and locals willing to assist in the tournament preparations are asked to contact Nick Bowman on 07885 161 477. (nicholas_bowman07@hotmail.co.uk) He and club secretary Freddie Bell will greatly welcome all offers of help.
Hugh Smith, 4 Flora Street, Bowmore, Islay PA43 7JX. Tel: 01496 810 658