PORT-ELLEN, a village and port, in the parish of Kildalton, district of Islay, county of Argyll, 11 miles (S. W.) from Bowmore; containing 904 inhabitants. In 1824 there was only one house here; in 1836 there were upwards of 160, most of them substantially built, together with a neat inn, and a very extensive distillery. The inhabitants are chiefly engaged in agriculture and fishing. The bay is safe; and a quay, formed on a rocky promontory in 1826, and improved in 1832, by Campbell of Islay, who also erected a lighthouse, is very commodious, and affords suitable facilities for landing. An act for improving the harbour was passed in 1846. The port is visited by steamers from Campbelltown and Glasgow. The members of the Free Church have a place of worship.