On the Esplanade, this tourist information centre is housed in the lovely old Winter Garden…read morebuilding which underwent complete refurbishment and reopened in 2001. It's very bright and spacious inside with plenty of free information to help you plan a stay in the area, maps, postcards and gifts and souvenirs too (from pens and china to tea towels and soap). There are children's books as well. There's usually a DVD playing which shows local places to visit, or attractions of Scotland generally. The staff are knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. There is also a Genealogy Centre, a 90-seat theatre and a restaurant at the back. Open every day including Saturdays and Sundays.

This review is long overdue. The short version is that Rachel is so lovely and amazing to work with…read morethat we would not recommend looking any further, no matter what you need she can make it happen!! The longer version: We found Rachel when researching whisky tour possibilities. When we decided that we wanted to elope we weren't sure how things would turn out, coordinating from across the Atlantic. Things couldn't have gone better!! When we first reached out to Rachel she was prompt and pleasant to communicate with. She responded to all of our questions with thoughtful and helpful answers. At first she let us know that she wasn't sure about putting together a wedding but after we described what we were looking for she told us not to worry! We fell in love with her sense of connecting to the natural world and her seriousness about environmental responsibility. She put together a truly one of a kind itinerary for us that we will remember forever. She included locals at every step of the way and we seriously could not have been happier with how things turned out. She even kept it off of social media until afterwards which was no small matter :) even behind the scenes, everything from the planning to finding time to talk on the phone to payment was easy and stress free. The wedding day was perfect, the details were all worked out with backup plans that we didn't need. The spot down the Oa where we had the ceremony was absolutely stunning! Everything about our blessing was so special and lovely. She made sure there were little things that were so special like having our wonderful piper Neil play a circle of sound around our little plateau. The flowers were mostly local and Anne was a perfect match for putting them together. The bouquet and buttonhole were absolutely stunning! Everything had a part of Islay in it and we couldn't have asked for better. Margaret Anne and Nikki were excellent helpers and Nikki was our impromptu makeup artist. Lorraine did a lovely job with the hair- it was beautiful and didn't blow around hardly at all! Rhianna was a fantastic photographer and Ben did a lovely job editing the photos. Some of the above will get their own reviews but most of them do these things as a side job and it couldn't have been more perfect! In addition to the wedding, Rachel helped arrange travel from Glasgow to Islay with a very nice gentleman (David?). He was the consummate professional driver with a lot to say about many different topics. Rachel picked us up from the ferry and poured us our first Islay dram on Islay soil. She put together an "exploring day" for the day after the ceremony where we went around the island and saw almost everything that didn't revolve around whisky. We went bird watching at Gruinart and had oysters and a picnic at Machir Bay. We saw some very stubborn cows and local art. We had a very special stop at the Altoon sun circle since standing stones were high on our list of things to see. All along the way we had lovely conversations about everything local and Rachel's experiences. She is the perfect hostess! Rachel also out together a three day whirlwind whisky tour where we saw every distillery plus Jura! When we didn't have Rachel as a driver we had Charlie who was so much fun to be around. Rachel seemed to cultivate the perfect mix of distilleries and types of tours to form the perfect look at the different distilleries. Some places had a full tour, some a warehouse tasting (the best way to taste whisky in our humble opinions), and even a semi-private tabletop tasting at Ardbeg over lunch! Everywhere we went, Rachel knew each person we were meeting so we were always warmly welcomed and well taken care of. This wasn't difficult since it seems that everyone on Islay are good, kind people who want to see you enjoy their lovely island. We were sad to leave after our week in paradise but we can't wait to go back! We would enthusiastically and wholeheartedly recommend Rachel to anyone who wants to visit Islay for any reason!

If you are going to Islay for any reason, sightseeing, distillery touring etc look no further than…read moreWild and Magic. My son-in-law was tuned on to them from a trusted source from his Scotch Malt Whiskey Society membership and they planned and organized our three day visit from there. After a few questions on our preferences they schedule the tours, B&B and all the local transportation and did an outstanding job. Rachel (the owner) picked us up from the airport (our flight was an hour late) and got us settled in at our B & B and said Calum would pick us up at 8:30 the next day to begin our tours. Both Rachel and Calum are local to Islay and have grown up there so they know everyone and everyone knows them. They are very knowledgeable and just wonderful people Calum took us around for two day and was a delightful host and companion. Rachel personally took us around the last day and then dropped us off a the airport. Again, if you are coming to Islay let Wild and Magic make your visit them most memorable possible.

This place is so cool. You drive up a tiny road along all these cliffs to a glass pyramid about…read morethree quarters of the way to the top. It's the visitor's centre. Inside there are cool exhibits, lots of info about the people who had been settled there and stuff about how being covered in bog preserved so much so well. It's really a neat bit of history. There's an observatory you can climb to at the top of the building that have amazing views looking out over the cliffs to the ocean. Then, outside you can walk about the grounds and look at the remains of houses from thousands of years ago and then go check out the edge of the cliffs. You can get pretty close and it's one of the most amazing things I've ever seen in person ever. I loved every second of it. It might not be the cliffs of Mohr, but that just means it's not as crowded or touristy. We nearly had the place to ourselves.

There are mysterious brown signs all over the country letting you know that something interesting…read moreis nearby. And while touring a long the north Mayo coast there was one for a Neolithic Site called Céide Fields. Intrigued we stopped in for a look. In front of you stands an impressive pyramid styled building. Behind you stands some rugged coastline. All around you bog heathland with shades of gold, brown, greens and purples. And with the strong wind that was blowing, it moved like a sea. A stunning site to see. 4 EUR in got you access to the exhibition, facilities, cafe and of course the site itself. There were guided tours included too if you wanted to really learn all you can about the site. We decided to wander around the site on our own. It's really fascinating the amount they archaeologist were able to glean and learn from all they discovered there. If I'm I am honest I was a little underwhelmed by the actual Neolithic site itself, but if you are into Neolithic sites it's probably the dogs. The highlight for me was the viewing point opposite the car park. Stunning views of the coastline and cliffs. This is were we spotted the sea stack of Downpatrick Head in the distance. A must if you are passing by, especially the views.

Communication before the tour was always prompt and professional. Tracy was very clear, so I didn't…read morehave to go back over the same ground over and over (which is a pet peeve). Payment was simple. Sometimes it can be a hassle when you're touring overseas, but that was easy peasy. Our guide was Derek Giles. He was a perfect match for our group- professional, down to earth, and easy going. I've worked with some who are a bit pushy, egotistical, or too regimented. Derek was delightful. We did have some unforeseen and avoidable problems, but you know what? Stuff happens. It was all handled quickly and without a lot of fuss. The show went on and we had a fabulous time. It means a lot to know you're in good hands. Derek introduced us to a lot of local customs and hideouts that we wouldn't have known about without his suggestion - including imbibing on a wee dram of 12 year old scotch and dinner on the wharf in Oban that was to DIE for. Yum, yum. I'm missing Scotland already and would recommend you see it with Scottish Terrier Tours.

I dashed in here quite quickly two weeks ago as we were pressed for time - but then I didn't want…read moreto rush!! It a lovely tourist information shop with so much to see despite not being very large. Of course, there's plenty of useful information available - lots of free leaflets and a very friendly, nice, lady to help give advice. There are beautiful, quality, gifts as well: fine china, tableware and linen. Lots of postcards, books and T-shirts - even small inexpensive souvenirs for sale including magnets and key rings.

A small but excellent tourist information centre. I went there twice yesterday, once to buy…read morepostcards and once, before we left the town, to pick up various leaflets about places to visit, and ferry timetables. There are lots of glossy postcards for sale at two prices (for small or large). This is probably the best place to buy cards because I didn't see any for sale anywhere else. There are also lots of beautiful Scottish gifts, from china mugs and other kitchenware to shortbread and fudge. The two ladies working in there yesterday were really helpful. Found near to the large car parks near the water, on the main road. Definitely well worth a visit on your way to, or from, the town centre on foot.

A great place to browse for good quality postcards or those little gifts to take home. Plenty more…read moreto see too - there's a particularly good range of books and maps of the whole area and lots of free leaflets to take away. All the people I've seen in here at different times have been very friendly and helpful; they will give out a free town map as well and advice on accommodation, what to see or do, and any special events that are taking place. Definitely recommended.

Went on a 2 day tour with James back in May and it was spectacular! You will never meet anyone who…read moreknows more about Scotland and he has my family dying to go back to Scotland so we can take another tour!!! 10/10 - He's the best, so friendly and he may give you some of those delicious short bread cookies!

From the owner: Our tours specialize in private tours of Scotland making our guests dreams come true. We provide a…read morewide range of tours and services, and go above and beyond your expectations to make your trip to Scotland a trip of a lifetime. Contact us today for more information.