Islay Pharmacy

Islay Pharmacy “Independent community pharmacy in Bowmore, serving Islay with expert healthcare, advice, and everyday essentials. Caring for our island community.”

Mission Statement for Islay Pharmacy:

"At Islay Pharmacy, we are dedicated to enhancing community health through personalised, high-quality community care. We aim to provide expert advice and a compassionate service in a welcoming environment, empowering our patients to achieve their wellness goals."

🌿 Mental Health Awareness Week 🌿Living in a rural or island community like ours comes with something special — space, na...
10/05/2026

🌿 Mental Health Awareness Week 🌿

Living in a rural or island community like ours comes with something special — space, nature, and a strong sense of community.

But it can also bring challenges that aren’t always talked about. I Periods of isolation, long winters, unpredictable travel, and being physically distant from services can all take a toll on mental wellbeing.

It’s more common than you might think — and you’re not alone in feeling it.

At the same time, island life builds something powerful: resilience.

We look out for each other. We check in. We get through tough times together.

💚 A few gentle reminders this week:

Stay connected — even a quick message or chat can make a difference

Get outside when you can — fresh air and movement really help

Keep a routine, especially during quieter periods
Don’t ignore how you’re feeling — it’s okay to ask for support

🧭 Support available on Islay & across Argyll & Bute:

Speak to your GP or local pharmacy – a good first step for advice and referral

NHS Highland (via 111) – 24/7 urgent support

Breathing Space (0800 83 85 87) – evening & weekend listening service

Samaritans (116 123) – free, 24/7 support

Shout (text SHOUT to 85258) – confidential text support

Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau – help with money, housing & stress

For more support and advice, visit:

Mental Health Foundation⁠�

You don’t have to manage it on your own.
We’re always here for a chat if you need us 💙

03/05/2026

A huge thank you to all of our pharmacy teams working over this bank holiday weekend to care for patients across the UK who need it most. 💙

☀️ Summer Prep Starts Now (Yes… even on Islay!) 🌊It might not always feel like summer yet, but longer days and brighter ...
03/05/2026

☀️ Summer Prep Starts Now (Yes… even on Islay!) 🌊

It might not always feel like summer yet, but longer days and brighter skies mean it’s time to start thinking ahead

👇

🧴 UV Protection – what it is & why it matters
UV (ultraviolet) radiation from the sun can damage your skin even on cloudy, windy Islay days. You won’t always feel it happening—but it builds up over time.

Too much exposure can lead to: • Sunburn
• Premature ageing
• Increased risk of skin cancer
Top tip: Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, reapply every 2 hours, and don’t forget easy-to-miss areas like ears, neck, and lips.

🦟 Midges are BACK… already 😅

If you’ve noticed them—you’re not imagining it!
Now’s the time to get ahead with:

• Insect repellents
• Bite relief creams
• Antihistamines for reactions

Don’t wait until they’re everywhere… because they will be!

🤧 Hay Fever – start early, stay ahead

If you get hay fever every year, starting treatment before symptoms peak makes a big difference.
Antihistamine tablets work by blocking histamine (the chemical that causes sneezing, itching, and watery eyes).

Common types include:

• Non-drowsy options (like once-daily tablets)
• Drowsy options (better for night-time symptoms)

👉 The key: take them daily during your trigger season, not just when symptoms flare—this keeps your system controlled rather than constantly reacting.

🚑 Travel Essentials – we’ve got you covered
Whether you’re heading off the island or welcoming visitors, we’ve got a dedicated travel section in the pharmacy with everything you might need:

• Pain relief
• Plasters & first aid
• Rehydration sachets
• Motion sickness remedies
• Upset stomach treatments

Quick, easy, and all in one place before you go.

💊 Prescription Check – don’t get caught short
Planning time away or expecting a busy few weeks?

• Check what medication you have left
• Order when you’ve got around 5 days remaining
• Allow extra time around travel and ferry schedules

While we and the GP surgery are usually quick (often around 24 hours), giving yourself that buffer avoids any last-minute stress.

💬 Not sure what you need?

Pop in and have a chat—we’ll help you get fully set for summer on Islay… whatever the weather decides to do 🌦️

📍 Islay Pharmacy – here when you need us

📢 Did you know?We now have digital signage throughout the pharmacy — both internal AND external screens 👀If you’re a loc...
30/04/2026

📢 Did you know?

We now have digital signage throughout the pharmacy — both internal AND external screens 👀

If you’re a local charity or organising a community event, we can display your flyer or poster for everyone to see 📺

From customers in-store to people passing by outside, your message can reach even more of the community.

💙 Best of all — this is a completely FREE service for local groups and charities.

All we need is:

✔️ A PDF or image file of your poster
✔️ A quick message to get things set up

Interested?

📩 Get in touch with us for more info — we’d love to support the Islay community

🌼 BANK HOLIDAY REMINDER! 🌼The Early May Bank Holiday is just around the corner!We’ll be open 10am – 2pm on Monday, so a ...
30/04/2026

🌼 BANK HOLIDAY REMINDER! 🌼

The Early May Bank Holiday is just around the corner!

We’ll be open 10am – 2pm on Monday, so a little shorter than usual ⏰

💊 Quick tip:

Don’t get caught out over the long weekend—
👉 Make sure your medication requests are in early!

We usually recommend ordering when you’ve got around 5 days left, just to keep things nice and stress-free 👍

📲 Order however suits you:

• Online
• WhatsApp
• Phone
• In-store

Enjoy the long weekend (hopefully with a bit of sunshine for a change! 🌤️😄) and we’ll be here if you need

📅 Early May Bank Holiday Reminder – Monday 4th MayJust a quick heads-up that it’s the Early May Bank Holiday this Monday...
28/04/2026

📅 Early May Bank Holiday Reminder – Monday 4th May

Just a quick heads-up that it’s the Early May Bank Holiday this Monday.

We’ll be open 10am – 2pm, so slightly shorter hours than usual.

💊 Please make sure you get your medication requests in early to avoid any last-minute stress over the long weekend. We recommend ordering when you’ve got around 5 days left—just to be safe.

You can order:
• Online via our website
• WhatsApp
• Phone
• In-store

Enjoy the long weekend (fingers crossed for some decent weather… 🤞), and we’ll be here if you need us!

🌬️ Asthma Reminders – Stay in Control This Season 🌿With the changeable weather, wind, and everything else the air throws...
27/04/2026

🌬️ Asthma Reminders – Stay in Control This Season 🌿

With the changeable weather, wind, and everything else the air throws at us, asthma symptoms can creep up when you least expect it. A few simple checks can make a big difference 👇

💨 Quick Asthma Reminders
• Carry your reliever inhaler at all times – don’t get caught out
• Check your inhaler technique – it’s one of the biggest factors in how well your treatment works
• Use your preventer inhaler regularly (if prescribed), even when you feel well
• Keep an eye on triggers – cold air, pollen, dust, smoke, and even salty sea air can all play a role
• Don’t ignore symptoms like waking at night, needing your blue inhaler more often, or feeling tight-chested

🫁 Quick Inhaler Technique Tips

🔵 Pressurised Metered Dose Inhaler (pMDI – the “standard” inhaler)

• Shake well
• Breathe out gently
• Seal lips around mouthpiece
• Press the canister as you start to breathe in slowly
• Continue a slow deep breath, then hold for ~10 seconds

👉 Even better: use with a spacer for improved delivery

🟣 Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI – e.g. Turbohaler, Accuhaler)

• Load the dose (twist/click depending on device)
• Breathe out away from the inhaler
• Seal lips and take a fast, deep breath in
• Hold breath for ~10 seconds
👉 These rely on your breath — so inhale strongly

🟢 Soft Mist Inhaler (SMI)

• Twist to load the dose
• Breathe out gently
• Start a slow breath in and press the button
• Continue slow deep breath, then hold
👉 Think slow and steady

⚠️ When to get help If you’re using your reliever inhaler more than 3 times a week, or symptoms are worsening — it’s time for a review.

We’re always happy to:

✔️ Check your inhaler technique
✔️ Review your asthma control
✔️ Offer advice and treatment where appropriate

Pop in and have a chat — no appointment needed 💙

💚 Wow, Islay… thank you! 💚We’re absolutely delighted to share that our Bra Bank is already full ♻️A huge thank you to ev...
23/04/2026

💚 Wow, Islay… thank you! 💚

We’re absolutely delighted to share that our Bra Bank is already full ♻️

A huge thank you to everyone who has popped in and donated so far—it’s amazing to see the community getting behind something that helps both the environment and supports Beatson Cancer Charity

👉 The Bra Bank has now been emptied and is ready for more donations

So if you’ve still got any bras tucked away at home, feel free to bring them in next time you’re passing!

Small actions like this really do add up—keeping waste out of landfill and supporting a fantastic cause 💚

📍 You’ll find the Bra Bank in-store

Skin Care, Eczema & the Islay Elements 🌬️🌊 Spring on Islay… in theory.In reality? Wind in your face, salt in the air, an...
19/04/2026

Skin Care, Eczema & the Islay Elements 🌬️🌊

Spring on Islay… in theory.

In reality? Wind in your face, salt in the air, and skin that suddenly decides it’s had enough.

Out here, your skin deals with a bit more than most — and if you live with Eczema, you’ll know just how quickly things can flare when the weather turns.

🌿 Everyday Skin Care (Islay-Proofed)

Moisturise regularly – especially after being outside

Go fragrance-free – kinder on wind-stressed skin

Keep showers warm, not hot – protect those natural oils

Apply creams on slightly damp skin – locks in moisture better

Think of it like protecting your skin the same way you’d layer up for a walk along Loch Indaal — preparation is everything.

🔴 Eczema – Island Life Triggers

Dry, itchy, inflamed skin

Cracking (hands are a big one with all that washing and weather)

Flare-ups from wind exposure, salt air, and temperature swings

💡 Local tip:
Even a quick walk to the car or shop in a strong Islay breeze can dry your skin out more than you’d expect.

🌬️ The Islay Effect on Skin

Life by the sea has its perks… but your skin might disagree:

Atlantic winds → strip moisture fast
Salt air → stings and irritates sensitive skin
Cold snaps → weaken your skin barrier

It’s that classic Islay mix — beautiful views, slightly brutal conditions.

🧴 Simple Protection That Works

Switch to a thicker emollient or ointment this time of year

Keep a hand cream in your pocket or bag

Use a barrier cream before heading out into the wind

Don’t forget lip balm — the Islay wind always wins otherwise

💬 Final Thought

If your skin’s starting to feel tight, sore, or just not right, it’s worth getting ahead of it early. A small tweak now can prevent a full flare later.

Pop in and have a chat — we’ll help you find something that actually stands up to Islay weather, not just a mild spring elsewhere 👍

♻️ Got old bras you no longer wear? Don’t bin them – recycle them! ♻️We now have a Bra Bank in-store, and every donation...
17/04/2026

♻️ Got old bras you no longer wear? Don’t bin them – recycle them! ♻️

We now have a Bra Bank in-store, and every donation made here on Islay will help support the incredible work of Beatson Cancer Charity 💚

👉 Drop your unwanted bras in next time you’re in
👉 They’ll be reused or recycled instead of going to landfill
👉 And they’ll help raise funds for people affected by cancer

💡 What can you donate?
• Bras of any size or style
• In any condition (as long as they’re clean)

It’s a simple way to make a real difference—both for the environment 🌍 and for those who need support closer to home.

📍 Look out for the Bra Bank in the pharmacy next time you visit!

💊 Running low on your meds? Don’t leave it late!Here on Islay, both the GP surgeries and our pharmacy team work hard to ...
14/04/2026

💊 Running low on your meds? Don’t leave it late!

Here on Islay, both the GP surgeries and our pharmacy team work hard to turn prescriptions around quickly — often within 24 hours 👍

But to keep everything running smoothly (especially during busy periods), we always recommend ordering when you have around 5 days of medication left 💙

Ordering is quick and easy 👇

🌐 Online: www.islaypharmacy.co.uk

💬 WhatsApp: 07454 847230
📞 Phone: 01496 301591
🏪 In store: Pop in and see us

🩺You can also still order at your GP surgery

Whether you’re out and about or staying in out the weather 🌧️, you can get your request in in minutes — and we’ll take care of the rest.

⏰ Top tip: A little notice = no stress, no last-minute rush, and everything ready when you need it 👍

💙 Local, reliable, and here when you need us
📦 Keeping Islay moving, one prescription at a time

Address

42 Main Street
Bowmore
PA437JJ

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 1pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 1pm

Telephone

+441496301591

Website

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