Seil, Easdale & Luing (The Slate Islands)

SEIL, EASDALE & THE SLATE ISLANDS
Easdale lies about 200 metres off the Island of Seil which itself is connected to the main land by the 200 year old Clachan Bridge, known as the ‘Bridge over the Atlantic’. The bridge was built in 1792 by Thomas Telford. Beside the bridge is Tigh-an-Truish which translated means “House of the Trousers” so called because after the 1745 Jacobite rebellion kilts were banned and Islanders heading for the mainland (then without the benefit of the bridge) are supposed to have stopped here to swap their kilts for trousers!

Easdale Island is the smallest permanently-inhabited island of the Inner Hebrides, off Scotland’s west coast. Situated in the Firth of Lorn, about 15 miles south of Oban, Argyll, it covers an area of less than 10 hectares but has a permanent population of about 60, plus a similar number who own property and visit regularly. The hugely popular Seafari Adventures has a base in Easdale and offers exceptional wildlife and nature boat trips to see whales, porpoises and sea birds. They also offer trips to the Gulf of Corryvreckan, home of the World’s Third Largest Whirlpool.

In September each year they host the World Stone Skimming Championships in Easdale. It’s got the perfect environment with the deep pools and the rounded slate “skimming stones” and draws competitors from all over the world!

THE ISLE OF LUING
The Isle of Luing is the bigger of the Slate Islands and is six miles long by three miles wide. Once home to the quarriers who mined the slate quarries the distinctive whitewashed cottages are now home to the islands residents. The island has stunning views to Mull, Scarba and the Garvellachs.

There are bicycles for hire and miles of unspoilt peaceful scenery to explored by car, bike or on foot. The new Atlantic Centre is well worth a visit.