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.

What can I find there?

Atlantic Islands Centre, Luing

Atlantic Islands Centre

The Atlantic Islands Centre provides a marvellous visitor destination as well as café and events programme for visitors to enjoy.

The Luing History group has a permanent space & regularly updates its exhibitions.

Mountain Biking routes are available in the area around Melfort Village

Isle of Luing Bike Hire

At Sunnybrae Caravan Park on the Isle of Luing, they have bikes available for hire, a great way to explore the Island.

Luing is 6 miles long x 2 miles wide & has spectacular views of the inner Hebridean Islands.

The Puffer Bar & Restaurant, Easdale Island

Puffer Bar, Easdale Island

The award winning Puffer Bar & Restaurant is situated on the tiny, car free island of Easdale.

They serve locally sourced produce, freshly prepared and served in friendly, relaxed surroundings. The seafood is particularly good.

Seafari Wildlife Boat Trips from Easdale

Seafari, Easdale

Seafari Adventures offers exceptional wildlife and nature boat trips to see whales, porpoises and sea birds from our base at Easdale, Oban, Scotland. Experience the Gulf of Corryvreckan, home of the World’s Third Largest Whirlpool.

The Slate Islands Heritage Centre and Museum

Slate Islands Museum

The Heritage Centre houses an interesting collection of artefacts and records relating to the social and industrial life of the Slate Islands of Argyll. There are photographs and records of the people engaged in the former slate industry covering the period 18-20th century.

Oysters at The Oyster Bar

The Oyster Bar & Restaurant

The Oyster Bar & Restaurant is a family run business located in the beautiful and historic village of Ellenabeich, Easdale. The Restaurant has a seating area overlooking the Atlantic taking in views of the islands of Scarba and Jura and server seafood and other locally sourced fayre.

Bottle Nosed Dolphins

Sealife Adventures

Sealife Adventures run whale search and wildlife watching boat trips from our pontoon on the mainland near Oban on the west coast of Scotland.


Tigh an Truish

Tigh an Truish

Tigh-an-Truish at Clachan, Isle of Seil is under new management by none other than the team behind popular Etive Restaurant in Oban. Visit for lunch & dinner with outside seating available.

Clachan-Seil, Oban PA34 4QZ, UK

Tigh Ian, Oban PA34 4TF, UK

Pontoon, Clachan Seil PA34 4TR, UK

10 B844, Oban PA34 4RQ, UK

Ellenabeich, Easdale, Oban PA34 4RF, UK

13A Ellenabeich – Easdale, Oban PA34 4RQ, UK

Easdale Island, Oban PA34 4TB, UK

Luing – Cuan, Oban PA34 4TU, UK

23, Cullipool, Oban PA34 4UB, UK