'Cute and quirky' Scottish isle with just 60 inhabitants that 'doesn't seem real'

Daily Record

3 days ago

Located in the Slate Islands 17 miles south-west of Oban, the isle is a peaceful place you can walk around in under an hour with no roads to navigate.
Scotland's vast and breathtaking landscapes offer countless opportunities for those seeking a peaceful escape from the demands of modern life, particularly in the Highlands and islands. Among these tranquil spots is Easdale, a tiny island in Argyll and Bute that promises a truly unique retreat.
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Easdale Island is the smallest permanently inhabited island of the Inner Hebrides, off Scotland's west coast. Situated in the Firth of Lorn, about 15 miles south of Oban, Argyll, it covers an area of less than 10 hectares and has a permanent population of around 60. A similar number of people own residential property and visit regularly, many of whom live elsewhere in Scotland but maintain ancestral ties to the island going back several generations, Glasgow Live reports.
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Nestled within the Slate Islands of the Inner Hebrides, about 17 miles south-west of Oban, Easdale can be circled on foot in under an hour, and there are no roads to navigate here, adding to its quiet charm.
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Visitors reach Easdale via a short five-minute passenger ferry ride from Ellenabeich on the neighbouring island of Seil, which itself is connected to the mainland by the 200-year-old Clachan Bridge, known as the 'Bridge Over The Atlantic'.
The small ferry, capable of carrying just 10 passengers, is the only vehicular-free access to Easdale.
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Easdale's charm has captivated many who visit. The Chaotic Scot travel blog describes it as 'as cute and quirky as they come,' while one admirer simply remarked that the island 'doesn't seem real.'
The tiny car-free island offers much to the short or long-term visitor. A stroll to the top of the island's highest point, a 38-metre hill, provides unrivalled views of the Firth of Lorn to the north and numerous other islands to the south.
The shoreline is perfect for beachcombing or simply soaking up the fresh Atlantic air.
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The island also boasts the historical remains of what was once the centre of Scotland's slate mining industry.
The still pools that are a defining feature of Easdale were formerly active slate quarries, and combined with a wide variety of flora and birdlife, they make the island unique.
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Without cars, colourful wheelbarrows have become the preferred way to transport goods between the island's quaint whitewashed cottages, which were once home to slate quarriers.
Though Easdale lacks a traditional shop, it boasts the well-loved Puffer Bar and Restaurant. Patrons on TripAdvisor have hailed it as a 'wee gem,' praising its welcoming atmosphere and hearty fare.
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While the island's modest peak reaches just 38 metres, it rewards those who climb it with sweeping views over the Firth of Lorn and beyond. The local community hall also plays an important role in island life, regularly hosting live bands and events.
Easdale is famous for hosting the World Stone Skimming Championships every September, drawing visitors eager to try their hand at this quirky tradition.
For those interested in local heritage, the Easdale Folk Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the island's history and culture.
Despite its remote feel, reaching Easdale is surprisingly straightforward. The journey from Glasgow by car takes less than three hours, making it an accessible haven for anyone craving a quiet break immersed in natural beauty and rich heritage.