Islay Family History Society was formed in 1991 to encourage and assist research into Islay local and family history and to undertake the collection and exchange of information and material relating to Islay. The Society is a registered charity, has no paid employees and is run entirely by volunteers who give their time and goodwill to help others interested in researching their family history. - Read more

Islay Community Council meet a minimum of six times per annum at the Bowmore Servicepoint and are open to the public to attend. We discuss local matters from an agenda set by ICC members, which should reflect current and/or historic issues of local importance. - Read more

Islay and Jura CVS has been established for 39 years with a role to work with the communities of Islay and Jura in creating opportunities that improve the quality of life through voluntary sector development, economic, cultural and environmental changes. The CVS works to encourage wider understanding of the importance and value of the work of community groups and community action. - Read more

In 2005 the Bridgend Community Centre undertook a year-long project to recover the 5 acre kitchen garden for Islay House, which was last used in the 1960's. Today the Garden is an excellent source for fresh vegetables, all year round. - Read more

A few miles to the south-west of Port Askaig on the island of Islay lies Loch Finlaggan, a place of great importance in Scottish history, In the loch are three islands, two of which lie close to the north shore. These are Eilean Mor (large island) and Eilean na Comhairle (council isle) which contain fragmentary remains of buildings. - Read more

Islay & Jura Credit Union is run entirely by volunteers. They staff two Collection Points where members can pay in or transact other business. One of these is in Bowmore and the other in Port Ellen. - Read more