Islay is the most southern island of the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. Known as "The Queen of the Hebrides", it lies in Argyll simply south west of Jura as well as around 40 kilometres (25 mi) north of the Northern Irish coastline. The island's capital is Bowmore where the distinct round Kilarrow Parish Church and a distillery lie. Port Ellen is the major port. Islay is the fifth-largest Scottish island as well as the eighth-largest island of the British Isles, with a total area of almost 620 square kilometres (239 sq mi). There is ample proof of the prehistoric settlement of Islay and the very first written reference may have been available in the 1st century AD. The island had entered into the Gaelic Kingdom of Dál Riata throughout the Early Middle Ages before being soaked up right into the Norse Kingdom of the Isles. The later medieval duration noted a "cultural high point" with the transfer of the Hebrides to the Kingdom of Scotland and the emergence of the Clan Donald Lordship of the Isles, originally centred at Finlaggan. During the 17th century the Clan Donald star waned, but improvements to agriculture as well as transportation led to a rising population, which peaked in the mid-19th century. This was followed by substantial forced variations and also decreasing resident numbers. Today, it has over 3,000 inhabitants and also the primary commercial tasks are farming, malt whisky purification as well as tourism. The island has a lengthy background of religious observance and also Scottish Gaelic is spoken by concerning a quarter of the population. [13] Its landscapes have actually been celebrated through various art types and there is a growing rate of interest in renewable resource. Islay is residence to several bird varieties such as the wintering populations of Greenland white-fronted as well as barnacle goose, and is a preferred location throughout the year for birdwatchers. The climate is moderate and relieved by the Gulf Stream.