Whisky (and gin) and its heritage

At Gartnagrenach Holidays, we're located centrally in Argyll and fortunate to be close to some of the world's best whisky and gin producers. Scotland boasts over 100 active distilleries, with some of its most famous scotch made here along the west coast.

On the mainland, an hours drive will take you to the smallest whisky producing region of Campbeltown. Here you will find Springbank which is the oldest family owned distillery, which is now in its fifth generation. Springbank Distillery, Campbeltown, Longrow, PA28 6EX.

Campbeltown is also the home of Glen Scotia  Glen Scotia Distillery 12 High Street, Campbeltown, PA28 6DS

Travelling an hour north by car and you'll arrive in Oban; a charming coastal town, famous for its seafood, award winning restaurants, and of course The Oban Distillery. Oban Distillery, Stafford St, Oban PA34 5NH

The nearby islands, all within easy reach, offer their own unique whiskies. 

On the island of Mull you have Tobermory and the Tobermory Distillery situated on the harbourside in the middle of the town. There are good ferry connections from Oban.

The Isle of Arran, a short ferry crossing from Skipness, there are two distillers, Lagg Whisky and at Lochranza, Arran Whisky

In the summer months, a passenger ferry runs from Tayvallich to Craighouse, on the Island of Jura - a name synonymous with single malt scotch. Isle of Jura Distillery Co, Craighouse, Isle of Jura PA60 7XT.

A day trip to the Island of Islay will spoil you with their 8 different distilleries. With so many to choose from, including Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Kilchoman including some. You could try Ardberg, which also has one of the best eateries on the island. Ardbeg Distillery, Sea View Cottage, Port Ellen, Islay PA42 7EA.

Of course it's not just whisky on offer, many of the distilleries now produce their own label gins. Argyll is also the home of several craft gins ranging from Kintyre to the islands, including Colonsay. details below for some of our local providers;

Campbeltown and Kintyre -  Kintyre Gin. Jura  - Lussa Gin Mull - Whitetail Gin. Bute - Bute Gin, Islay - Bruichladdich - Botanist.

Details for the ferries and their timetables can be found on www.calmac.co.uk

Please note these are only examples with no recommedations, everyone's taste is different. Just remember there is no such thing as a bad one, just some are better than others!