An Illicit still on display at the Museum of Islay Life, Port Charlotte

Staying in Port Charlotte, we were only a stone's throw away from the Museum of Islay Life. If you have the time then it's well worth the visit. There you will find exhibits of ancient crafts, clothes, ship wrecks and other items of Islay life from the previous century.

Of particular interestest to me, they have on display an illicit still found in a cave on the island. It's interesting to examine up close as it gives you a clear idea of the basic distilling process although I am certainly not advising anyone to build one of these themselves in their back garden.

The worm tub

Ever wondered why they call the cooling element a "worm tub"? Just look at the above photo and you'll understand why.