Isle of Seil
Our Isle of Seil visitor guide provides information on accommodation on the Isle of Seil, travel and things to see and do there.
Eight miles south of Oban the B884 turns west off the A816 to the tiny Slate Islands, so called because in the mid-19th century, the island's slate quarries exported millions of roofing slates every year. The quarrying industry has long since gone, leaving behind dilapidated old buildings as well as pretty little villages of whitewashed cottages built for the slate workers.
The most northerly of the Slate Islands is Seil, which is reached from the mainland across the impressive Clachan Bridge, better known as the 'Bridge over the Atlantic', built in 1792 (and designed by Thomas Telford), with its elegant, high arch to allow ships to pass beneath.
Beside the bridge is an old inn, Tigh an Truish, or 'House of the Trousers', where islanders would have to swap kilt for trousers in order to conform to the post-1745 ban on the wearing of Highland dress.
Phone code: +44 (0)1852
Eating Out
The Tigh an Truish Inn near the bridge offers lunchtime and evening menus which include seafood caught by local fishermen. Tel. 300242.
Region
ArgyllTravel Directions to Isle of Seil
A Postbus service runs from Oban train station to Clachan Seil, Balvicar, Ellenbeich and North Cuan on Seil. There's also a circular postbus service on Luing, from South Cuan to Cullipool and Toberonochy. Check times at Oban tourist office. Fares for both routes are £1 (£0.50 for children).
A passenger ferry sails from Ellanbeich on Seil to Easdale, making the 5-min trip at regular intervals between 0745 and 1900 Mon-Sat (between 0930 and 1500 on Sun), partly to schedule, partly on request. Check times at Oban tourist office.
A car ferry to Luing (South Cuan) sails from South Cuan on Seil (5 mins), Mon-Sat every 15-30 mins from 0745 to 1815 (later in summer) and on Sun every 30 mins from 1100 to 1800. Check times at Oban tourist office.
It can be a rough crossing and times are subject to sailing conditions
Local Sights & Activities for Isle of Seil
Two miles south, at Balvicar, the road turns right and climbs up and over to the main village of Ellanbeich, an attractive wee place with rows of white cottages around the harbour. This was once a tiny island itself until the intensive slate quarrying succeeded in silting up the narrow sea channel. The village is also, rather confusingly, known by the same name as the nearby island of Easdale, so renowned was the latter for its slate deposits. Another road runs south from Balvicar to North Cuan, from where the car ferry sails across the treacherous Cuan Sound to Luing.
Isle of Seil Hotels & Accommodation
There's B&B accommodation on Seil, at Mutiara, Tel. 300241, open May-Nov., and some good self catering cottages.
Isle of Seil Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
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Old Brewery Cottage on Seil Island - Sleeps 2
Romantic cottage, perched on a rocky outcrop stone’s throw from the Atlantic ocean on the Isle of Seil in Argyll. Sleeps 2 very romantically! -
Seabank Cottage, Clachan Seil - Sleeps 12
This spacious detached holiday cottage is situated in one of the most scenic areas of Southern Argyll by the famous ’Bridge over the Atlantic’. Boasting superb uninterrupted sea views and direc... -
Isle of Seil Cottage, nr Oban - Sleeps 4
The picturesque Isle of Seil is a haven of peace and tranquillity just off the Argyll coast and reached by the famous "Bridge Across the Atlantic", built in 1792 , and 14 miles from Oban. This .... -
Craiguillean, Ardmaddy Castle - Sleeps 6-9
"Breathtaking views over the Sound of Seil" In a magnificent setting by the sea, Ardmaddy Castle sits in its own bay with unrivalled views over Seil Sound and the world famous local islands, designated one of S... -
The Granary, Isle of Seil - Sleeps 4-6
Cross the charming Atlantic Bridge to the friendly Isle of Seil. This delightful holiday property has a children’s play area in the garden with swing and scramble net. Set in the wing of an old stone...