Easdale

Ask an Islander

We headed to the Slate islands and the remarkable little island of Easdale, where Keren from the Puffer Tearoom, Bar & Restaurant shared more about her island home.

“Easdale is the smallest permanently inhabited island in the Inner Hebrides, and although you can walk around it in 20 minutes, my best advice would be to take your time and explore a little. Sit on the backshore and watch the waves. Walk up the small hill to the viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views, and just take some time to admire how mother nature is reclaiming a once industrial landscape with mosses, lichens, grasses and wildflowers growing amongst the slate.”

Feeling peckish? Keren tells us about the local food scene on the island: “I’d have to recommend The Puffer Bar & Restaurant, although I might be biased as I’m the owner, cook and baker! We serve an array of local produce which really does make it worth a visit. From local shellfish caught in the surrounding seas to coffee roasted just over the water, we have a wide selection. Our cinnamon buns and scones are two top favourites and you can even pick up some of our homemade preserves to take home too.”

For a small island, there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied, as Keren tells us. “The island’s flooded quarries are a real draw for wild swimmers. The pools are the perfect spot to cool off on warm sunny days! As for events, the World Stone Skimming Championships held at the end of September has really put our tiny island on the map and raises vital funds for the community and future projects. It’s a fantastic weekend with the pre-skim dance in the community hall on Saturday night and then the competition on Sunday. The event attracts between 600 – 800 people and is great fun for all the family!”

For Keren, winter is her favourite, as she explains. “Winter is one of my favourite times on the island. Stormy weather and feeling the force of the Atlantic really puts life into perspective. Being on an island when the weather is wild can bring its challenges, but it’s quite nice being briefly isolated from the world here! Then of course there are the New Year celebrations usually involving great parties, ceilidhs and our annual panto – what’s not to love?!

“Without a doubt, the best thing about island life is being part of the community. When life’s not all plain sailing it’s nice to know you’ve got support and friends to turn to.”

Gaelic / Gàidhlig

The Gaelic name for Easdale is Eisdeal.

Did you know that the Gaelic for scone is ‘sgona’?

Getting Here

Easdale ferry is operated by Argyll and Bute Council and leaves from Ellenabeich on the Isle of Seil. Seil is connected to the mainland by a bridge and buses run between Oban on the mainland and Ellenabeich.