The highlight of the island's sporting calendar, the Islay Beach Rugby tournament, takes place on Saturday 9th June.

The all-day action takes place at Port Ellen, on the sandy beach in front of the White Hart Hotel that overlooks the beautiful Kilnaughton bay with views out to the Mull of Oa.  With players, families and friends, and children paddling, it's a carnival-like atmosphere.

There are over 500 players involved, both ladies and mens teams, and together with associated followers that makes an extra 1000 fit and friendly visitors to Islay over the weekend.

The pace of this curtailed style of rugby is frenetic, the physicality unforgiving, and the action unrelenting. Over the years the style of play has improved considerably with professional players adding to the glamour - if not the excitement - attracted by the quality of the tournament. And the whisky. And this year it happens to be  World Gin Day - so The Botanist will be available.

This year, as well as one or two British Lions, we have players joining us from Canada as the international reputation of the tournament spreads.

Kickoff 12.00 with last games at 18.30.  Beer tent closes 20.00, followed by the post match dance. The informal atmosphere, the great sport, the exciting buzz makes for an  exceptional day out. I recommend it to you. Come along and enjoy the day on the beach.