Whiskies Galore: A Tour of Scotland’s Island Distilleries by Ian Buxton

According to the Scotch Whisky Association, there are over 150 malt and grain distilleries in Scotland. Their website maps them, providing an impressive visual representation of these precious havens for Scotland’s most famous drink.

Ian Buxton, a man who knows a thing or two about the industry, with more than 40 years of experience under his belt, is perhaps best known for his ‘100 Whiskies to Try Before You Die’ book.

Whiskies Galore, first published in 2017 and updated and reprinted in 2026, came to my attention as one to pick up. I confess to not being much of a whisky drinker myself, but what I do enjoy, and take a keen interest in, is the experience around it. The stories, the sense of place. What it brings to communities and our tourism and food and drink industries. Our global reputation.

And as someone who’s always been captivated by the magic and uniqueness of islands, the book was even more of a draw.

Buxton sounds like quite a character. The kind of person you’d like to sit and enjoy a dram with and listen to his tales. A natural storyteller, with a dry sense of humour.

Whiskies Galore is a self-confessed personal foray around the islands with the aim of discovering what makes their distilleries so distinctive. What’s at the heart of that romantic, emotional appeal. He wants to take the reader on a bit of an adventure, but not one that’s taken too seriously. More of a travelogue, filled with fascinating facts about each distillery and their location, history, people and production, from those that have been around for a long time to some of the newer ones that have attracted lots of investment and attention. Throw into the mix his wry commentary (don’t mention whisky cask investment, as he has no truck with that at all) and you have an entertaining ride ahead.

Kicking off on Arran, he covers everywhere from Jura and Mull to Harris and Lewis, Skye and Orkney. There are three whole chapters dedicated to the big hitter that is Islay, which will appeal to anyone

who’s either been or who has a notion to go.

He honours the less celebrated people behind the business, too, not least, the wonderful Ronnie Lee,

a freelance millwright, who’s been keeping the machines turning for many a year.

There is also a selection of beautiful images from days gone by. I loved the vintage poster of Old

Orkney Whisky from Stromness Distillery, showing a couple embracing (and, as Buxton says, not one

that you’d get away with now).

So, what is it about the island distilleries that make them so different and alluring? Well, you’ll have

to read the book to find out, but what I can say is that the story isn’t finished yet and that it is one that will continue to evolve and entice. No matter which distillery you visit, it will be part of your own adventure and you’ll be sure of a warm welcome, lots of stories, a deep sense of place and a touch of magic. Scotland’s distilleries, through production and tourism, are at the heart of island communities, creating jobs, supporting livelihoods and caring for the environment. Let’s raise a glass to that.

Copies are available online at Birlinn Ltd www.birlinn.co.uk £12.99

Fiona Richmond is Head of Regional Food & Drink at Scotland Food & Drink