Seil is linked to the mainland by the Clachan Bridge, which was designed by Thomas Telford and built by Robert Mylne in 1792. It is high enough for boats to sail under at High Tide and is known locally as the Bridge over the Atlantic. In 2011 the population of Seil was 551.
Slate was quarried on the island for over 300 years, notably at Ellenabeich, where you can catch a passenger ferry over to Easdale Island. Ellenabeich means 'island of the birches'. It was originally a separate island but the narrow gap between it and Seil was gradually filled in with quarry waste. The quarries were flooded by the sea in a storm in 1881, which was the end of large scale quarrying in the area. There is a garden called An Cala at Ellenabeich, which is open to the public.
The village at Balvicar was built in the 19th Century to house quarry workers.
Some islands you love instantly, some you grow to love and some you will never love however hard you try. Seil for me is in the latter category. I'm not sure why, as I love its smaller neighbour Easdale very much.
The Bridge over the Atlantic - not much sea at low tide!
Next to the bridge is an inn called Tigh an Truish - House of the Trousers - which is reputed to be where the islanders had to swap their kilts for trousers to conform with the post 1745 ban on the wearing of Highland dress on the mainland.
Ellenabeich
Ellenabeich
Tigh an Truish
Kilbrandon and Kilchatton Church
Jesus calming the storm
Jesus calming the storm
The 5 stained glass windows in the church were designed and made by Dr Douglas Strachan in 1938. They were commissioned by Miss Mackinnon of Ardmaddy Castle near Oban in memory of her friend the Marchioness of Breadalbane.
Kilbrandon and Kilchatton Church
Kilbrandon and Kilchatton Church
Cliffs at Ellenabeich
Isle of Seil Golf Club - no sign of an golfers but it was pouring with rain!
An escapee from Easter Island?
Ellenabeich from Easdale Island
Looking east from the church in the rain
Typical Seil landscape - rough pasture
Balvicar
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