The house itself is an ideal base for artists, photographers, walkers,
fishermen, sailors, divers, wildlife enthusiasts and those wishing
merely to relax.
Islands of Luing and the Garvellachs with Scarba behind it. Showing
Fladda lighthouse in distance
From the window enjoy the panorama of the Atlantic and
the islands of Easdale, Mull, the Garvellachs, Scarba and Luing. Experience
some breathtaking sunsets. You might see otters, seals, a variety
of birds and, on occasions, porpoises, dolphins or even whales.
Set off from the house on the excellent coastal walk "down the
Brentfords" to Cuan Ferry or appreciate some spectacular aerial
views of this beautiful area by walking on the neighbouring Dunmor
or Kilbride hills.
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Seaview is ideally situated in a quiet location on the Isle
of Seil, between the two main villages of Ellenabeich (often
called Easdale) and Balvicar. A pleasant walk, or drive, of
about one mile lets you access what each has to offer.
On the way to Ellenabeich, visit the beautiful An Cala Gardens,
built and designed by Col. Murray in the 1930s on the site of
the previous Easdale distillery.
A little further on is the village hall where the Wednesday
summer ceilidhs are held.
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The picturesque village of Ellenabeich itself, with its cottages
built for the slate quarriers in the 18th century, now caters
well for the tourist with a post office, various craft shops,
a Heritage Centre and the Oyster Brewery, Restaurant and Bar.
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Front street, Ellenabeich
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It is here at Ellenabeich that you can make the 5 minute ferry
crossing to Easdale Island which boasts the award winning Folk
Museum, the Puffer Bar and Restaurant and the new hall with
its varied programme of events and entertainers of international
renown.
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Flooded Quarry Ellenabeich
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Also from Ellenabeich pier you can set off on a Seafari fast
boat trip to view the famous Corryvreckan whirlpool, the surrounding
islands and hopefully spot some seals, porpoises, dolphins or
whales.
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Easdale Ferry Slipway
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On the way to Balvicar, be sure to stop at the viewpoint Cairn
on the steep hill behind the house, to check out surrounding
islands, place names and distances.
The village of Balvicar also consists of historic slate quarriers’
cottages, a pier and bay with mooring and anchorage, a boatyard,
a seafood factory, a 9 hole golf course and a very well stocked
general store and post office.
Sealife Adventures, high speed cruises, leave from Balvicar
Bay.
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Golf Course and Boats in Balvicar Bay
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At the Balvicar cross roads, you can take the road to Cuan Ferry,
passing, along the way, the local Parish Church with its beautiful
stained glass windows designed by Douglas Strachan.
Opposite is Ballachuan Hazelwood and Wildlife Reserve, rich in wildlife
and its internationally important lichen communities.
From Cuan, take the 5 minute vehicular ferry to the Island of Luing
or arrange to go on a boat trip. On Luing you can hire bikes.
Travel back north at Balvicar crossroads to Clachan Seil where you
will find the two hotels on the island. Willowburn Hotel offers high
class meals to non residents and excellent bar meals are available
at the Tigh an Truish Inn.
Tigh an Truish, meaning "House of Trousers", got its name
after the battle of Culloden in1746, when wearing of the kilt was
outlawed in Scotland. In defiance the islanders wore the kilt when
they were home but used the Inn to change into the hated trews when
they went to the mainland. The hotel is situated beside Clachan Bridge,
known as "The Bridge that Crosses the Atlantic" because
of the narrow strip of ocean that it spans. The rare fairy foxglove
(Erinus Alpinus) grows and flowers on the bridge’s stonework.
As indicated, the area has a fascinating past. Evidence remains of
pre-historic sites of habitation and of the arrival of Christianity
in the 5th century, brought from Ireland by St Brendan, from whom
the Parish name of Kilbrandon has derived.
However, it is the area’s geology with rich deposits of slate
rock that has made most impact on the island’s history. The slate
industry reached its peak in the 19th century and Easdale slate was
renowned and exported world wide. Sadly, one massive storm in 1881
destroyed the workings and flooded many quarries. Although Balvicar
quarry operated until the 1960’s, the industry never really recovered.
Tourism and fishing are probably the main industries on the island
now with many people commuting and working in Oban.
A short drive away you will find that Oban, Kilmelford, Kilmartin
and beyond all have much to offer, but that is another story…………
