The Oa is rich in fauna and flora: wild goats, otters, rare golden eagles and choughs are fellow residents in the area. The cottage is within walking distance of, or a short car drive away from, the new RSPB  reserve at Upper Killeyan and Kinnabus. Killeyan, Gaol and Port an Eas beaches are hidden gems. Nowadays only a few families remain in an area which was once heavily populated. Next to the cottage lie the stones which are all that remain of the homes of 26 families living there before the clearances. There are also seldom visited iron age and Celtic sites including a chambered  cairn reputed to be the grave of the warrior Connachan. Be sure to explore the rarely trodden paths of the Oa. A silent place with many secrets. Email holiday@islay-cottage.co.uk