The Bridgend Hotel
Isle of Islay,
Argyll PA44 7PJ.

Telephone:
+44 (0) 1496 810212

 The Bridgend Hotel

The Bridgend Hotel is centrally situated in the heart of Islay and is the place to stay for any island holiday.

Try them for shooting, fishing and bird watching or just visit the wide open spaces, deserted beaches and sites of historic interest.

Tariffs and contact details

 The Bridgend Hotel

The Bridgend Hotel has been part of the Islay Estate, which comprises one third of the 150,000 acre island. The hotel is still operated by the owners through their resident manageress. There has been an Inn at Bridgend where the main island roads meet to cross the River Sorn, for almost 200 years. The premises have been enlarged in the past on three occasions in the style of the period. During the last five years the whole building has been refurbished to retain the best features but to provide ten bedrooms with private bathroom or shower.

One of the bedrooms
Every bedroom has colour television, direct dial telephone and a tea/coffee making facility. The Hotel has full central heating.

Local produce is used as far as possible in its menus. In addition to home finished beef and lamb, pheasants, woodcock, wild duck and venison are supplied by the Estate and salmon in season. The local fishing fleet lands lobster, scallops and brown crabs.

There is a comprehensive wine list and a full range of the noted Islay straight malt whiskies is available. Islay’s history is eventful and varied with roots deep in the past as the many sites of historic and architectural importance indicate.

The dining room
The dining room
The land is rich and fertile and it sustains, even today, a lively and diverse community of 4,000 people. The good arable land allowed barley to be produced in the past and this was instrumental in establishing the malt whisky industry which, together with agriculture and tourism are the islands three main industries. The pace of life is leisurely but not dull and as a result if a pedestrian wishes it will always get a lift from a local because they know you or if they do not they want to find out. Hang your hat at Bridgend whatever your interests. It is the place to stay in Islay. Car hire can be arranged to meet the ferry or plane.

Ornithological interest is outstanding with resident choughs and over-wintering barnacle and white-fronted geese features of international note. Ask for separate particulars of current special bird watching package deals for up to ten people for five days, organised in conjunction with British Airways.

Islay is also renowned for its loch and river fishing and this can be arranged through the hotel. A detailed note of current fly/drive/fish/stay package deals with British Airways, is available. Other features of any visit to Islay should include a day trip to Jura, a distillery visit, a visit to the prize winning Museum of Islay Life in Port Charlotte, the Bridgend Woolen Mill and Golf on the James Baird designed Machrie Golf Course. Current arrangements are readily available from the hotel. Just tell us what interests you. Car hire can be arranged to meet the ferry or plane.

But why not just relax, chat to the friendly locals, take a picnic to a deserted beach with a good book and fall asleep. After all, its Islay and goodbye to care at the Bridgend Hotel. Access to Islay is by two hour Cal-Mac vehicle ferry from Kennacraig near Tarbert or Forty minute British Airway flight from Glasgow Airport. As departure times and frequency very seasonally it is best to check with the carrier.

With thanks to Mrs. Mottram for permission to use the text and photographs.

Bridgend Hotel, Isle of Islay, Argyll PA44 7PJ.
Telephone: 01496 810212.
Manageress: Mrs. Johanna Mottram.

Islay, rich and fertile
Lochindaal

Choughs
Choughs on a rock

The lounge bar
In the bar
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