Slate Islands
Scotland's Island CoastSometimes known as the Lorn Islands, you can access this amazing collection of small islands by crossing the ‘Bridge over the Atlantic’ near Oban onto the Isle of Seil. From here, hop on a ferry to Easdale or Luing.
The Isles of Seil, Easdale and Luing in the Firth of Lorn were once the centre of the UK slate industry, with many landscape features reminding you of this bustling past. The Atlantic Isles Centre on the Isle of Luing offers fascinating insights into this rich heritage.
Nowadays, key attractions include stunning beaches, rich wildlife, vibrant island communities and, of course, the renowned World Stone Skimming Championships on Easdale. Visit the Slate Isles as a day trip from Oban or stay a few days to truly immerse yourself in their vibrant island spirit!
Weekend Getaways and Fun-Packed Holidays
Boat trips, wildlife and stone-skimming. Come stay a while to explore the fascinating cultural heritage of the Slate Islands.
Good to know!
Plan ahead to make the most of your visit.- Style: A casual walker's dream, very few hills, good paths. Take your walking boots and a wet-weather coat.
- Ferry: The ferries to Luing and Easdale depart regularly during the day from the Isle of Seil. It is a turn-up-and-go service. However, you should check the timetables before arriving at the ferry port.
- Parking: Limited parking is available at the ferry terminals. A bus runs from Oban to connect with the ferry.
- Driving on the Slate Isles: The roads are winding and narrow, sometimes single-track with passing places. Please note: Easdale is a car-free island!
- Toilets: There are limited public toilets on the islands, found at the ferry ports and island community centres.
- Eat & Drink: There is a selection of small shops, pubs and honesty boxes across the islands. Please take cash with you if you wish to support these.
- Stay: Limited self-catering accommodations and guesthouses are available; it is recommended to book in advance. It's well worth staying a night or two!
ISLE OF LUING
The Isle of Luing is known for stunning scenery, a rich heritage and the famous Luing Cattle breed.
ISLE OF SEIL
Cross the Bridge over the Atlantic to Seil, where historic pubs, picturesque villages and coastal relaxation await!
ISLE OF EASDALE
Home to the World Stone Skimming Championships, Easdale is a wee Isle full of personality.
WildLuing: Luxury Accommodation
Designed and built on the island by our team of local craftsmen, our WildSuites are where luxury accommodation meets raw Atlantic beauty. Overlooking Torsa Bay in the Firth of Lorn, our WildSuites are fully en-suite with kitchen facilities and individually finished with boutique interior design themes.
The WildLuing team often run events such as gin & whisky tastings, foraging and small weddings.
How to get to the Slate Isles
Planning Your VisitFrom Oban by Car
Follow the A816 south of Oban, then turn onto a minor road heading west, signposted as the ‘Atlantic Bridge’. Cross over this iconic bridge to the Isle of Seil.
To continue your journey to the Isle of Luing, drive to the North Cuan ferry terminal, located at the southern tip of Seil. Take the short, three-minute car and passenger ferry to Luing. There's parking available at the ferry port on Seil.
For Easdale, continue to the village of Ellenabeich on the Isle of Seil. From the pier at Ellenabeich, you can jump on the small, passenger-only ferry to cross the narrow channel to Easdale Island. There's parking available at the ferry port on Seil.
From Oban by Public Transport
Board the West Coast Motors 418 bus from Oban (Station Road) to Clachan Seil, just after the bridge. The journey to Seil takes about 49–59 minutes and runs every three hours. The bus stops at both ferry terminals on Seil for you to continue your journey to either Luing or Easdale via ferry.
Discover the Slate Isles and beyond!
Head to our blogs for more inspiration
5 islands to visit in a day trip from Oban | Argyll & the Isles
The busy town of Oban is known as ‘The Gateway to the Isles’ where you can visit the islands of Isle of Mull, Isle of Iona, Kerrera, Lismore and Coll & Tiree
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Just 10 miles south of Oban lies the island of Seil, the most northerly of the Slate Isles. Here are six good reasons to cross the Bridge over the Atlantic.
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