Dawn and I love watching videos on distilleries, especially the ones that are in a far-off land, like Scotland!
One of our favorite YouTube creators that we like to watch is Ruth Aisling who is a Scottish video creator who loves adventure, travel, hiking, vanlife, and the great outdoors.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-v-NVvOxMYb0Uf1E_yA9wg
Her content takes her audience to unique and lesser explored places.
After 12 years living overseas, she’s back in Scotland, rediscovering her homeland in her campervan Ernie and documenting it on her social media channels.
Check out her channel as she as some really good and entertaining content on locations around the world (and not just distilleries), as I said we really enjoy watching her videos.
She has just started to do distillery tours of her homeland. Her first one was: Shetland & Orkney
8th – 15th April 2025 which sold our very quickly. Then she added her second one: Islay & Jura Whisky Trip 30th August – 4th September 2025 which also sold out quickly, however there is a wait list that you can get on, and maybe, just maybe, if she gets enough interest maybe she will add a second one soon after, you never know. 😉
Here is the info on that trip:
ISLAY & JURA WHISKY Trip
Join me for an unforgettable 6-day / 5-night adventure to the beautiful Scottish islands of Islay and Jura.
Islay, often referred to as Scotland’s whisky island, is famous for its world-class distilleries producing distinctive peaty whiskies beloved worldwide. Just across the water is Jura, a wild and remote island, home to over 5,000 deer that roam freely across its hills and moors.
I’ve designed an itinerary that captures the very best of these islands, showcasing all the highlights you’d want to experience on your first visit. From distillery visits and warehouse tastings, to the finest accommodation and dining experiences, every detail has been hand-chosen by me.
My group trips are designed to feel like a journey with friends, with opportunities for shared experiences as well as time to explore at your own pace.
Please note, this trip is for ages 18+.
Here’s an idea of what you can expect to see and do day-to-day.
01 Day Journey to Islay
We’ll depart around 8am from Glasgow, travelling through beautiful west coast scenery on our way to Kennacraig. From there, we’ll catch the afternoon Calmac ferry* to Islay.
Once we arrive, we’ll check into the Port Charlotte Hotel, a traditional Scottish hotel, which features one of the island’s best whisky bars. A welcome dinner (included) will be enjoyed together at the hotel.
*Please note: we’ll board the Calmac ferry as foot passengers with our luggage and be met by another private minibus and driver on Islay. This is because only certain vehicle sizes can travel on the Jura ferry and the mainland bus doesn’t fit! Assistance is available to help carry luggage onto the ferry if required.
Meals:
Dinner
02 Day The Essence of Islay
We’ll start the day with a tour of Kilchoman Distillery, a unique farm distillery and one of the few in Scotland where every stage of the whisky-making process can happen on-site.
For lunch (included), we’ll visit the Islay Oyster Shed, my favourite dining spot on the island, known for its fresh local seafood and stunning views (non-seafood options are also available).
We’ll next make our way to Bunnahabhain, the most spectacularly located distillery on Islay. Here, we’ll step into the exclusive Warehouse 9 for a behind-the-scenes warehouse tasting, sampling whisky straight from the cask.
We’ll return to the hotel for a delicious dinner (included), followed by an evening of traditional Scottish music.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
03 Day Scotland’s Wild Island
Today, we’ll venture to the Isle of Jura, a wild and rugged island just a short ferry ride from Islay. With a population of only 200 people and over 5,000 deer, Jura offers a sense of isolation and unspoiled beauty.
We’ll begin with a tour of the Jura Whisky Distillery, a cornerstone of the island’s community for generations, to uncover the craft behind its distinctive single malts.
We’ll learn about Jura’s fascinating history and enjoy a packed lunch at a beach where islanders once set sail for new lives in the U.S. during the 19th century.
As we explore further north, we’ll witness the most impressive views of the towering Paps of Jura, before visiting Lussa Gin Distillery, where gin is created by using locally foraged botanicals.
In the late afternoon, we’ll return to Islay and gather for dinner (included) in the evening.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
04 Day Icons of Islay
Today, we’ll explore some of Islay’s most iconic distilleries! Our morning begins with a tour of Laphroaig, one of the world’s most renowned whisky brands, known for its bold and distinctive flavours. Next, we’ll stop in at Lagavulin to visit the shop, another legendary distillery on Islay’s south coast.
From the pier at Lagavulin, we’ll board a boat with the award-winning Islay Sea Adventures for a scenic journey along the island’s picturesque coastline. While taking in the stunning views, we’ll enjoy a delicious seafood lunch (non-seafood options also available) on board before being dropped off at Ardbeg Distillery for another shop visit.
In the evening, we’ll gather for an enjoyable meal together.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
05 Day Islay’s Natural Beauty
We’ll kick off our day with a guided walk* on the stunning Oa Peninsula, led by an RSPB ranger.
Along the way, we’ll enjoy breathtaking coastal views and visit the American Monument, a tribute to those who lost their lives when two U.S. ships sank off Islay’s coast during World War I.
Next, we’ll head to Bowmore, where you’ll have free time to explore the charming village and enjoy lunch or a few drams at the Bowmore distillery bar at your leisure.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit Bruichladdich Distillery, known for its innovative approach to whisky-making and its bold, experimental releases including the world’s peatiest whisky!
Here, we’ll enjoy an exclusive private warehouse tasting, sampling some of their unique expressions.
We’ll finish off the day, and our time on Islay, with a lovely farewell dinner.
*The walk is around 2 hours and is optional.
Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
06 Day Bonnie, Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond
We’ll check out of our hotel and catch the ferry back to the mainland, making our way to Loch Lomond, Scotland’s largest loch, for a peaceful stop to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Afterwards, we’ll head back to Glasgow, where we’ll conclude our trip and say our goodbyes.
Meals:
Breakfast
What’s included:
5 nights accommodation in a 4-star hotel
All minibus transportation for the trip, starting and finishing in Glasgow
All boat & ferry transfers
5 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 5 Dinners
3 whisky distillery tours (Kilchoman, Jura, Laphroaig), 2 warehouse tastings (Bunnahabhain, Bruichladdich)
Activities as stated in the itinerary
Your friendly Scottish host Ruth
What’s not included:
Flights / Transport to Scotland
Airport Transfers
Visas & Travel Insurance
Drinks & Alcohol which are not outlined in the itinerary
Meals which are not outlined in the itinerary
Additional snacks or activities Souvenirs
Here is Ruth’s info:
https://ruthaisling.com/group-trips/
Here is a playlist of her Distillery tours:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbGCxV3wscIqa0ms_o4PJp9RdTBay1QHU
