Port Askaig facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Port Askaig
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 Port Askaig |
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 Port Askaig
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| OS grid reference | NR430692 |
| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | ISLE OF ISLAY |
| Postcode district | PA46 |
| Dialling code | 01496 |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament | |
Port Askaig (which is Port Asgaig in Scottish Gaelic) is a small village with a busy port. It is located on the eastern side of Islay, an island in Scotland. This village sits right on the Sound of Islay, a narrow stretch of water that separates Islay from the nearby island of Jura.
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What is Port Askaig Like?
Port Askaig is a small community. It has a hotel, a petrol station, and a shop. These are all conveniently located near the port. Even though it has few homes, Port Askaig was named one of the best places to live in Scotland in 2014. This was based on its postcode area.
Islay Whisky from Port Askaig
You might also hear "Port Askaig" when people talk about Scotch whisky. There is a special range of whiskies sold under this name. They are known as Islay single malts. The exact distillery that makes them is a secret.
However, several famous whisky distilleries are very close to Port Askaig. These include Caol Ila, Ardnahoe, and Bunnahabhain. They are all found just north of the port.
Getting Around: Transport Links
Port Askaig is a very important hub for travel. It helps people and goods get to and from Islay.
Water Travel: Ferries and Lifeboats
Port Askaig is one of Islay's main ports. It shares ferry services to mainland Scotland with another port called Port Ellen. There is also a regular ferry that crosses the Sound of Islay to Feolin on the island of Jura. During the summer, you can even catch a weekly ferry service that goes via Colonsay to Oban.
People have been using Port Askaig for centuries. Ships from West Loch Tarbert on the Kintyre Peninsula have stopped here since the 1700s. A steamer service from Glasgow started as early as 1825.
Port Askaig is also home to the Islay RNLI lifeboat. This brave crew helps people in trouble at sea. They are called out about ten to twelve times each year.
| Preceding station | Ferry | Following station | ||
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| Colonsay (limited service) |
Caledonian MacBrayne Ferry |
Kennacraig | ||
| Terminus | Jura Ferry Car ferry |
Jura |
Modernizing the Port
Between 2003 and 2009, Port Askaig went through a huge upgrade. This big construction project cost £13.7 million. The work included building a new linkspan. A linkspan is a special ramp that connects the ferry to the land. This makes it easier for cars and people to get on and off the ferries.
They also added new places for ferries to dock. New facilities were built for the Jura ferry. Plus, new car parks and waiting rooms were created for travelers. The improved port was officially opened on September 10, 2009. Princess Anne herself attended the ceremony.
Road Connections
Port Askaig is located at the northern end of the Islay section of the A846. This main road goes south-west to Bowmore. It also travels south-east to Port Ellen and then east to Ardbeg.
Music Inspired by Port Askaig
Port Askaig is so well-known that it has even been featured in music! There is a famous bagpipe march called Leaving Port Askaig. It is a classic tune in the 6/8 time signature.
See also
In Spanish: Port Askaig para niños
