Welcome to HOLIDAY West Highland - Discover the West Highlands

Easdale - and the slate Islands

Author Holiday West Highland

A LITTLE south of the West Highlands hub of Oban lies a small chain of islands in an idyllic location. Their neat white- washed cott ages present an attractive picture and film-makers have raved over their location for years. These are the slate islands of Luing, Seil and Easdale and for a time they thrummed with industry as their workers strove to roof the world. With the slate islands looking out to the Atlantic and truly beautiful views of the mountains of Mull, you’ll see West Highlands scenery at its very best.

No wonder that you might get a feeling of déjà vu if you visit for the first time because several films have been made here. The conservation island of Easdale stood in for Camusfearna in Ring of Bright Water, Ellenabeich featured in The Bridal Path as does much of Argyll and the Donald Sutherland Second World War spy thriller Eye of the Needle was also filmed here. Slate quarrying on Easdale ceased on a commercial basis in 1911 and you can find out about the history of the industry at the island’s fascinating museum. You get the same feeling about the island. You can walk round it in minutes but you’d miss an awful lot if you did. Once you’’ve stepped off the wee ferry from Ellenabeich after your three-minute crossing you’ll see the marvellous spanking new village hall, worth a visit in itself.

Walking round the island you’ll come across all kinds of wildlife and wild flowers as well as spectacular views at every turn. Some of the quarries are water filled and attract water birds. And once you’’ve seen everything you can refresh yourself at the island’s bar and restaurant. You can reach the islands by the Bridge over the Atlantic, actually the Clachan Bridge, completed in 1793 to a design by Thomas Telford. It’s probably one of the most photographed in Scotland.

When you come on to Seil Island over the only bridge in the world that crosses the Atlantic you’’ll marvel at the creative works of the late C John Taylor, poet, artist and composer at Ellenabeich. There’s also the picturesque Isle of Seil Golf Club at Balvicar. Enjoy the magic of the ‘Islands of Beauty’ where you will see nature’s flowers in profusion, glimpse seals, otters and – if you are lucky – watch the dolphins at play!

Journey back to a different time in the ancient slate-mining village of Ellenabeich –home to Highland Arts Exhibition and Twelve Isle Putting Green. You’’ll be enchanted with your visit to the slate islands with their pretty quarrymen’s cottages. The fertile island of Luing is no different, though it’s a lot smaller being six miles long. It’s easily reachable by ferry over the short Cuan Sound and once you’’re on island soil you can hire a bike and cycle round this enchanting place packed with industrial heritage and fascinating wildlife.

There are cottages and caravans to be hired and with a shop and post office you don’t need to leave it to stock up. It’s an ideal base from which to explore the West Highlands.