The Isle of Seil is unique. It has all the charm of a small Hebridean island with none of the usual transport hassles, thanks to the famous ‘Bridge Over The Atlantic’. It is only a twenty minute drive from Oban, an attractive seaside town that is also the main ferry terminal for the Inner Hebrides and Barra.

Seil is one of four Slate Islands, and once provided slates that roofed buildings all over the world. Many traces of this remain in the form of tranquil flooded quarries now blended seamlessly with the spectacular Highland landscape. The picturesque white-painted former slate workers cottages are still very much in evidence in Balvicar and the pretty conservation village of Ellenabeich.

The sea is everywhere, with fabulous views down the Sound of Luing to Scarba and across to Mull and the Isles of the Sea. Two of the other Slate Islands are easily visited by regular ferry. The island is a haven for wildlife including seals, otters and many birds of prey including sea eagles.

The island has an exceptionally well-stocked village shop at Balvicar, which is within easy walking distance of the Tin Church. The two pubs on the island both serve excellent food featuring local produce from Spring through to Autumn.