Far, far away in the seas to the North West of Scotland there is an island. In the beginning times, it was formed from an intricate layering of granite, quartzite, gneiss and sandstone and its peatlands, plains, cliffs and mountains sang the songs of the deer and the chough. Then the people came and stories of Norse kings, clans and clearances laid themselves down onto the land too. My latest map is of Islay in the Inner Hebrides for Scottish Whisky distillery, Bowmore, commissioned for them by creative agency Sauce Communications.
Bowmore is perhaps the oldest distillery in Scotland and was founded in 1779 on the banks of Loch Indaal. It produces 2 million litres of fine whisky a year and fills bottles ranging from those you might find on a supermarket shelf to the limited edition created for the luxury car brand, Aston Martin, or the 1850 single malt that sold at auction for £29,400.
The map was printed as a gift for journalists invited to visit the distillery. It celebrates the wonderful wildlife found on the island from the magnificence of white tailed eagles to the humble field voles specific to Islay. In its mountains, the red deer roam. Orcas and dolphins swim in its seas.
The map shows highlights of the promotional trip too – an arrival by Sea Adventure boat, a stay at the Machrie Hotel with its renowned golf course and a jaunt to the singing sands and Caraigh Fhada, a lighthouse built by the Laird of Islay in the memory of his wife in 1832. Of course the expedition ends with a tour of the distillery itself plus, no doubt, a chance to partake of a few drams.
The brand strapline is ‘There’s Always More’ and I think it’s true that this little island, like its whisky, has layer after layer to discover. Not only are there rich peaty single malts but also maritime adventures, golfing, walking, wildlife and an abundant romantic history to be savoured.
So – raise a glass and toast the wonderful Islay and all its many and varied treasures. May I travel there myself one day and make my own story, laying it down onto the land with all the others…
The illustration is A4 in size, drawn by hand in pen and ink with digital spot colour.
Helen Cann News 