20 Attractions to Explore Near Slate Islands

Easdale is a small island in Argyll on the west coast of Scotland. it covers an area of less than 10 hectares but has a permanent population of about 60, plus a similar number who own residential property and visit regularly. The tiny car-free island of Easdale has much to offer the short or long term visitor.

Arduaine Garden is a place of peace on a wild shore, which has a twenty acre coastal garden situated on the southern slope of a promontory beside the Sound of Jura. Arduaine is well-known in rhododendron circles for its wonderful collection of species and hybrids. The garden nurtures plants from across the globe – from East Asia to South America.

Seil is one of the Slate Islands, located on the east side of the Firth of Lorn, 7 miles southwest of Oban, in Scotland. Seil has been linked to the mainland by bridge since the late 18th century. It became part of the estates of the Breadalbane family and in the early 18th century they began to exploit the rich potential of the Neoproterozoic slate beds.

Lunga is one of the Slate Islands in the Firth of Lorn in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. The surrounding seas are fished for prawns and scallops and there is a salmon farm off the south eastern shores. The Special Area of Conservation of which the island is part hosts a growing number of outdoor leisure pursuits.

Carnasserie Castle is a late 16th-century tower house guarding the northern approach to Kilmartin Glen. Built in the style of a tower house, it was given a distinctly medieval look but this is deceptive; comfort was the overriding priority in the design and construction of the castle. The castle is an accomplished piece of architecture, laid out as a single building integrating both a five-storey tower house and a hall range.

Kilmartin House Museum ids a museum which paves light to the ancient history of this area and also it is worth visiting to gain a better understanding of the many archaeological sites and stone circles in the Kilmartin Glen. The museum has been designed as a family friendly experience with lots of the exhibits being displayed in a manner that encourages children to touch and explore.

A ruined castle which was built to dominate the Sound of Kerrera which was once part of a major maritime route for vessels sailing between the mainland and the Inner Hebrides. The castle consisted of a four storey 'L' plan Tower House that was built in the Scots Baronial style. The ground floor consisted of a vaulted store and an access passageway that led to a small courtyard occupying the area to the edge of the cliff as well as the adjoined Stair Tower.

A beautiful island in the Scottish Inner Hebrides. It is home to a population of ~40, but there’s not really any village on the island. If you want to stay on the island there are some self catering cottages and a bunkhouse. The island is known for the ruined Gylen Castle, a small tower house built in 1582. Kerrera is in fact quite a large island and can be compared with Scarba, Seil and Luing, is scarcely populated and provides excellent shelter for the Oban harbour.

Moy Castle is a ruined castle near Lochbuie on the Isle of Mull, Scotland. The tower has 3 main stories and a garret, with two entresol floors built over the haunches of the barrel-vaults covering the ground and first floors, and remains of two 16th century cap-houses. The site is now a scheduled monument.

Dunadd is a hillfort in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, dating from the Iron Age and early medieval period and is believed to be the capital of the ancient kingdom of Dál Riata. Dal Riata was a kingdom, that appeared in Argyll in the early centuries AD, after the Romans had abandoned Scotland.

Oban Distillery is both one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland and one of the smallest with just two pot stills. It has only two pot stills, making it one of the smallest in Scotland, producing a whisky that has been described as having a "West Highland" flavour that falls between the dry, smoky style of the Scottish islands and the lighter, sweeter malts of the Highlands.

Staffa, uninhabited Atlantic island of the Inner Hebrides, Scotland, situated 6 miles off the island of Mull and 33 miles west of Oban. The island came to prominence in the late 18th century after a visit by Sir Joseph Banks. The island’s distinctive six-sided columns of rock are formed from basalt, the same as the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. The latter's Hebrides Overture brought further fame to the island, which was by then uninhabited.

McCaig's Tower and Battery Hill is a prominent tower on Battery Hill overlooking the town of Oban in Argyll, Scotland. It is built of Bonawe granite taken from the quarries across Airds Bay. Built in 1897 by local banker John Stuart McCaig, the aim of the tower was to provide work for local stonemasons and a lasting monument to the McCaig family. The gardens inside the tower are well maintained and are a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of town life in Oban.

A wonderful waterway to explore by canoe or kayak, surrounded by the stunning scenery of Argyll & Bute. The nine-mile-long canal links Ardrishaig at the Firth of Clyde with the picturesque village of Crinan and the spectacular scenery of Scotland’s west coast. The Crinan also offers the chance to see some incredible wildlife. Visitors can catch a glimpse of deer and rare red squirrels in the surrounding pine forests.

Dunollie Castle is a small ruined castle located on a hill north of the town of Oban, on the west coast of Scotland in Argyll. Discover the 1745 Laird's House which holds the fascinating history of the the MacDougall Family and Servants Quarters, including our temporary "Women of Dunollie" exhibition featuring some of the most beautiful pieces from our textile collection.

This is the iconic island fortress of the Clan Maclean. Situated on the sea cliffs of the Isle of Mull. Brought back from ruin in 1911, the Castle treasures 800 years of history of one of Scotland’s oldest Clans. From 2015, Duart Castle is opening it’s ancient doors and offering a small number of exclusive weddings events.

This is a rural beach that offers wonderful coastal views and gloriously soft sands. Walk along the coast of Ganavan Bay, admiring the views of the islands of Mull and Lismore. Swim in the waters off the coast carefully. The coastal and quiet road from Oban to Ganavan Sands is widely used by the local community for walks, running and cycling.

Dunstaffnage Castle is one of the oldest stone castles in Scotland, stands on a huge cliff in northern Scotland overlooking the Firth of Lorn and the entrance to Loch Etive. In Scottish, a firth is a long estuary, similar to a fjord, and a loch is a mostly landlocked bay. It consists of a massive 13th-century curtain wall, with round towers, and an altered 16th-century gatehouse. Ranges of buildings within the walls contained a hall and kitchen.

It is the longest lake in scotland measuring 24 miles from northeast to southwest, situated in Argyll and Bute council area. It has also given its name to a village on its banks, variously known as Loch Awe, or Lochawe. There are islands within the loch such as Innis Chonnell and Inishail. Traditionally Loch Awe was the home of Clan Macarthur, later followed by Clan Campbell. Highlights to see include 2 picturesque castles, a remarkable early 20th-century church, an 18th-century industrial site.

A majestic historical ruin located on the eastern shore of Loch Sween, in Knapdale. Castle Sween is thought to be one of the earliest stone castles built in Scotland, having been built in the late 11th century. The castle's towers were later additions to wooden structures which have since vanished. To its west is a small islet cleared to act as a boat landing, illustrating the vital importance of the sea as a major transport link.