Florence Grey

Born on the Scottish island of Islay, she spent much of her working life as the postmistress of Port Ellen, a port town in the south of the island. Now retired, she continues to play an active role in the local community and has been involved in organising the Fèis Ìle, the Islay Festival, for the past sixteen years. This volunteer-run event celebrated its 40th anniversary this year. 

The festival was created with the aim of preserving the island’s cultural heritage and Gaelic language, showcasing local life to visitors, and extending the tourist season. It has since established itself as a leading international event.

Whisky did not play a leading role in the festival’s early days, but its collaboration with Islay’s distilleries has helped raise the festival's global profile. The close relationship between the organisers and the local whisky industry makes the Fèis Ìle a unique showcase of the culture, traditions and identity of this small Scottish island.