Scotland's 'most scenic' island seafood shed that has beautiful loch views and serves 'amazing' oysters
From the rolling hills of Skye to the mythical and atmospheric beauty of Orkney, it's in these communities that you'll also find some of the best homemade, or Michelin Star, food and drinks.
One of the most visited islands for the latter is Islay, home to an array of whisky distilleries. It's also where you'll find the Islay Oyster Shed - one of the best places for oysters in Scotland.
Opened in late 2023 by Petra and Craig Archibald, this unassuming bright blue shed is located on Craigens Farm, close to Loch Gruinary on the northwest coast of Islay. The location means that the meat and oysters on the menu are all as hyperlocal as you can get.
The star of the menu, as the name suggests, is the (absolutely massive) oysters which are harvested just meters from the shed. Served natural with just lemon juice is the best way, in my opinion, to eat them but you'll also find them grilled, deep fried and topped with things like seaweed and chilli jam. They're creamy with just a hit of saltiness and absolutely wonderful.
Picture: Islay Oyster Shed
Other menu highlights include crab sandwiches stuffed full of meat and beef burgers. Vegan options and lighter bites such as soup, are also available.
If the weather continues to be sunny and warm, the shed has outdoor seating overlooking the loch, making it an ideal place for a long lunch when visiting the island.
The Islay Oyster Shed has been given a glowing review from a national newspaper as well as getting a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Google, with one reviewer calling it a 'must visit' place on Islay. They wrote: 'Interesting, unusual items on the menu! Oysters from directly in front of the venue, prepared 3 ways and all of them tasty!'
Another added: 'highly recommend, lovely food and great service, all staff very friendly and also dealt with allergies very well, showing me ingredients etc which is a big relief having a little one with allergies. definitely worth the journey! 5*'
The Oyster Shed isn't licensed but there's plenty of opportunities on Islay to sample whisky, with Bowmore offering an oyster luge.
After a lunch of Islay's finest oysters you can visit RSBP Loch Gruinart for some birdwatching. In the autumn this reserve is known for its huge geese population.
Open Monday, Thursday to Sunday from 10am-4pm (arrive before 3pm if you want to order food), the Islay Oyster Shed is located about a 15 minute drive from Bridgend via the B8017 and at the end of a single track road. Find out more via their Facebook page.
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