LISMORE

From the Gaelic lios-mor meaning great garden, lives up to its name, with exceptionally fertile soil and a profusion of wild flowers on the limestone. It is a long, narrow island, with delightful walking. It was an important place for the early church in Scotland - the remains of a small Cathedral dating back to 13th-14th Centuries have been partly incorporated into the current parish church. Access by ferry from Port Appin or Oban.

KERRERA

Lying just off Oban, Kerrera is a natural breakwater protecting the port. It was a stronghold of the MacDougall Clan. Gylen Castle, at the island's southern tip, was destroyed in the 17th Century, and all its defenders slaughtered. There is a short but beautiful walk through shrubby woodland, wild thyme and honeysuckleto the top of Carn Breugach. The reward for your effort is fabulous views down the Firth of Lorn. Access by ferry from Gallanach, south of Oban.

SEIL & EASDALE

Seil is separated from the mainland by the Clachan Sound, a narrow, shallow and tidal inlet which is spanned by the 18th century Clachan Bridge, better known as the Bridge over the Atlantic. The picturesque island of Easdale, which is accessed from Seil, has neat rows of whitewashed houses which housed the slate quarrymen and the history of this can be found in their own museum. The island also has a striking community hall building which is well worth a visit. Whales are not an uncommon sight offshore.

LUING

Home to two notable Iron Age duns or forts and a 16th century hunting lodge, Caisteal nan Con, belonging to the Lord of the Isles. Take one of the way-marked walks on the island in the summer and you may see Pipistrelle bats. Luing is famous for its slate, which was quarried until quite recently, and also for its lobsters. Access by car ferry from Seil.

SCARBA

Little more than a mountain rising straight out of the sea, its wild and rocky coast riddled with caves. Practically uninhabited, it has very little fertile land although sheep and cattle are grazed. Here among the tussocky heather you may spot colourful wild orchids. There are also feral goats and red deer on the island, and otters by the coast. Scarba is separated from Jura by the infamous Gulf of Corryvreckan, whose tidal races and fearsome whirlpool are feared and respected by sailors. Boat trips can be arranged from Crinan harbour and Easdale & Seil.

WILDLIFE

Isles of Seil & Easdale

Sealife Adventures
Offers a range of memorable and exhilarating marine excursions aboard a high speed inflatable boat. Enjoy close encounters with Scotland's magnificent wildlife and experience the area's beautiful scenery.

Isle of Luing

An excellent place to see many species. Otters and hares are resident on the island, and seals, porpoises and dolphins are seen in the sea around. There are often chances to see buzzards, peregrines and hen harriers, as well as visiting eagles.

CULTURE

Isle of Lismore

Lismore Historical Society Heritage Centre
Open the door of the thatched cottage and step back in time to experience the Lismore of yesteryear.

Lismore Gaelic Heritage Museum (Ionad Naomh Moluag)
A new museum which is preserving and exhibiting the heritage and culture of life on Lismore.

Isles of Seil & Easdale

World Stone Skimming Championships
Once the centre of a thriving Scottish slate mining industry, one of the disused quarries forms a perfect arena for the Stone Skimming Championships. Held every year, anyone of any age and any level of skill can enter.

An Cala Gardens
Meandering streams, winding paths, formal terracing built of the local slate and wide green lawns are many of the rugged features of An Cala Gardens.

Easdale Island Folk Museum
Housed in a building which is similar to the original quarrier's cottage, this museum is small but covers every aspect of life during the sixty years when the quarries were at their most productive.

Isle of Luing

The Slate Industry
The island is primarily slate, with narrow bands of basalt and both the villages of Cullipool and Toberonochy had slate quarries being worked during the 18th and 19th centuries. The picturesque villages with their whitewashed cottages owe much to this period.

HERITAGE

Isle of Lismore

Tirfuir Broch
The Broch at Tirfuir is evidence of the presence of the Picts on Lismore. A circular building which is reasonably well preserved as the walls are about 15 feet high and the internal passage which is a distinguishing feature is clearly visible.

Isle Of Kerrera

Gylen Castle
Built by Duncan MacDougall circa 1582-1587, Gylen Castle is located on the southern promontory of the Island of Kerrera. Constructed as a fortified residence it sits on a near impregnable sea-cliff and offers panoramic views over the Sound of Kerrera and beyond.

Isles of Seil & Easdale

Scottish Slate Heritage Trust
Enjoy an exhibition of pictures and models showing life on the Isle of Seil in the 19th and 20th Centuries.

SPIRITUAL/MAGIC

Isle of Lismore

Lismore Parish Church
Built on the site of a monastery founded by Saint Moulag, Lismore Parish Church has several late medieval graveslabs which are preserved in the church and adjoining graveyard.

Isles of Seil & Easdale

Kilbrandon Church
Built in 1866 this church is an attractive mix of grey stone, red carpet and a mid-toned wood. The church has a superb collection of five stained glass windows which were the work of Dr Douglas Strachan and were presented to the church in 1938 in memory of the Marchioness of Breadalbane.

Isle of Luing

Kilchattan Church
Now a complete ruin, Kilchattan Chapel provides a wonderful view across the southern end of the Island of Luing and the rugged island of Scarba. Some of the graves in the old graveyard which surrounds the chapel are made from slate.