Island intro
Cross the Bridge Over the Atlantic to the island of Seil which was once the centre of the slate industry. Explore gardens and woodland and try excellent local produce. Take a wander amongst ancient woodland, explore the remains of historic settlements and enjoy the local colour in the form of the island’s annual topical panto!
Ask an Islander
What makes Seil so special? We asked locals there. Here’s what they said:
History still shapes the landscape here, with old slate quarries and a village that was designed to house those who worked them. Seil and its neighbouring islands produced millions of roofing slates that were exported around the world, making it one of the islands that “roofed the world”. Ellenabeich is an architect-designed village dating from the 1860s. The rows of terraced cottages were built to house quarrymen and their families.
Clachan Bridge, more widely known as the Bridge Over The Atlantic, was designed by John Stevenson of Oban and built between 1792 and 1793 by engineer Robert Mylne. It was paid for by public subscription. In May, the bridge turns pink with flowering Fairy Foxglove (Erinus Alpinus).
Kilbrandon Church is best known for its superb collection of five stained-glass windows. These were the work of Dr Douglas Strachan and were presented to the church in 1938 in memory of the Marchioness of Breadalbane.
Ballachuan Wood is an ancient hazel wood owned by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. It is home to a variety of lichens and the ruins of an ancient settlement and is well worth exploring if you get a chance.
The local drama group have a growing reputation for their topical pantomimes. They are home-written and performed to sell-out audiences in late January, so if you plan to visit at this time of year, be sure to buy a ticket – you won’t regret it!
Gaelic / Gàidhlig
The Gaelic name for Seil is Eilean Saoil.
Want to say ‘Goodbye’ to someone in Gaelic? That’s ‘mar sin leibh‘!
Getting Here
Seil is accessible via a short bridge from the mainland. West Coast Motors runs bus service 418 from Oban to the island.
Explore More
Want to find out more about Seil and explore more of our amazing islands?
Download the free Scottish Islands Passport app to:
- discover your perfect island match,
- find out about the experiences each island has to offer,
- collect passport stamps for the islands you visit,
- find information on accommodation, travel and island amenities.
