Just before arriving at Port Ellen, you can see a square lighthouse. Normally lighthouses are round so they can withstand the brutal weather that accompanies their perilous location. In this particular spot, the weather is not so bad so the Carraig Fhada Lighthouse is square. Maintained by the Northern Lighthouse board since 1924 it looks to be in amazing condition considering it was commissioned in 1832 in memory of Fredric Campbell’s wife. It felt oddly out of place considering the beautiful weather that day.
The next time I go to Islay, I want to take a walk on the singing sands beach to take a closer look at the lighthouse. It sounds like a very nice walk and you get to see seals, otters and feral goats. Who doesn’t like that!
Port Ellen itself is another small port town with all the appropriate charm. I highly recommend the Sea Salt Bistry & Take Away, the food there is quite good and the people are very friendly. Plus it is good to get some food before heading out to the epic lineup of distilleries: Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg.
Balancing Travel and Work 