In Scotland, an exploration of the Inner Hebrides by ferry

I traveled to Colonsay by ferry from Islay, one of two ferry lines serving the island. Islay, a royal center during the medieval period, is today most famous for its distilleries producing distinctive smoky whiskeys, such as Ardbeg and Lagavulin. It would end my five days of island hopping, a journey that included four islands in the Inner Hebrides, including one of the largest (Mull) and two much smaller islands (Tiree and Colonsay). I highly recommend incorporating Islay into any visit to the Inner Hebrides, not only to see the distilleries and history but also to enjoy the epic seafood platter at the Lochindaal Hotel bistro. “Look at the claws on that boy! It’s as fresh a lobster as you can get. Do you like it!” Iain MacLellan, fourth-generation owner and chef, said as he ordered the plate piled high with langoustines, mussels, crab claws, scallops and, yes, a whole lobster.