Ailsapress Online Bookstore

Ailsapress is a small independent publisher based on the Isle of Islay, which lies on the West Coast of Scotland.

Our Ethic

Ailsapress is a member of Publishing Scotland and abides by their Members Code of Practice. (www.publishingscotland.org).

Islay has a small population of only 3,000; yet it has a world-wide reputation due to its production of malt whisky. Visitors come to Islay from all over the world. It is a natural wilderness of outstanding beauty and a place for migrant birds both in summer and winter.

All the contributors to Ailsapress have a connection with Islay. Some are birds of passage, others have come to stay, and some are born and bred here. Founder and author, Catherine Wilson, has been a visitor since early childhood until her retirement when she came to live on the island. Canadian Ruth MacLean is descended from a family who migrated from Islay to Canada in 1864. French-born Martine Nouet, a whisky and food journalist, fell in love with Islay on her first visit and by 2008 she had made Islay her home. Dutch-born Ron Steenvoorden web-designer, is a great fan of Islay and used to live in Port Charlotte. The late Joan Porter’s father came from Islay and Mary McGregor is a true Ileach, that is to say she was born and raised on the island.

Ailsapress represents Islay in different ways. Their books are art-led and are designed to appeal to visitors from across the world.