Early Start of Winter on Islay

Weatherwise it's been rather dramatic the last few weeks on Islay. Only two and a half weeks ago we walked around in our t-shirts enjoying the beautiful sunsets, a couple of lovely sunny autumn days and the geese that had just arrived from Greenland. Another week later the first winter storms arrived on the island with high winds, cancelled ferries and lots of rain. A friend of a friend who has been coming to Islay in October for years said: "It is the worst weather she has ever known here." Usually this kind of weather is more frequent in January. Last weekend saw the last of a series of storms and now, a couple of days later, the temperatures have dropped considerably and the first snow has arrived on the mountains marking the beginning of an early winter. Arra Fletcher was kind enough to take a picture today from the Paps of Jura showing a beautiful white cover against a blue sky. I dont know if this is earlier than usual, but it sure is beautiful.

Paps of Jura seen from the road to Port Askaig - Tuesday 28 October at 1pm

Another one from Caol Ila, courtesy of Christine Logan

For comparison you can have a look at a new panorama image from the whole Sound of Islay including the Paps of Jura which I took exactly two weeks ago. The panorama was taken a mile south from the Bunnahabhain Distillery. The Calmac ferry had just left Port Askaig and is still visible on the right.

Sound of Islay Panorama (click image for the full view)

Tag: weather winter photography panorama paps jura sound of islay