During the Second World War Islay’s population was boosted by over 4,000 servicemen. Accommodation was a major challenge and Bowmore Distillery played its part by hosting both the Royal Air Force and the Royal Canadian Air Force, who flew the famous Sunderland flying boats.

In March 1943 the island suffered from one of the worst storms in its history and crewmen had to battle for eleven days to save their planes from disaster. This included men clambering out onto the wings of their aircraft to keep them balanced and one pilot sitting at the controls of his Sunderland for 50 hours.

 

One can only hope there were a few drams to hand.