Islay is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. Referred to as "The Queen of the Hebrides", it lies in Argyll simply southern west of Jura and also around 40 kilometres (25 mi) north of the Northern Irish coast. The island's funding is Bowmore where the unique round Kilarrow Parish Church and also a distillery are located. Port Ellen is the major port. Islay is the fifth-largest Scottish island and the eighth-largest island of the British Isles, with a total area of virtually 620 square kilometres (239 sq mi). There is enough evidence of the ancient negotiation of Islay and also the initial written recommendation may have been available in the first century AD. The island had actually entered into the Gaelic Kingdom of Dál Riata during the Early Middle Ages before being taken in into the Norse Kingdom of the Isles. The later medieval duration marked a "cultural peak" with the transfer of the Hebrides to the Kingdom of Scotland as well as the development of the Clan Donald Lordship of the Isles, originally centred at Finlaggan. During the 17th century the Clan Donald celebrity wound down, yet enhancements to agriculture and transportation brought about a climbing population, which peaked in the mid-19th century. This was followed by considerable forced displacements and decreasing resident numbers. Today, it has more than 3,000 occupants and the primary business activities are agriculture, malt whisky distillation and tourism. The island has a lengthy history of religious observation and also Scottish Gaelic is talked by about a quarter of the population. [13] Its landscapes have been commemorated with numerous art kinds and also there is a growing passion in renewable energy. Islay is house to several bird species such as the wintering populations of Greenland white-fronted and also barnacle goose, as well as is a popular destination throughout the year for birdwatchers. The environment is mild as well as alleviated by the Gulf Stream.