Seil Island, Scotland

The charming Atlantic Bridge, built in 1792, provides a fitting introduction to Seil Island, a quaint island just a short drive south of Oban. Cobblestone streets, rolling hills, slate islands and the deep blue sea. Here, boating, hillwalking and sea life viewing ensure a family adventure against nature’s striking background. Easdale Island, the smallest of the slate islands, is just a short ferry ride away and affords great views of the Fladda Lighthouse and the Sound of Luing.

Plan

Getting there

Seil Island is located 12 miles (19 km) south of Oban. Bus service is available from Oban to Seil Island's Clachan Bridge (also known as the Atlantic Bridge).

The AA

Seil Island Online

Getting around

Explore the island on foot or take a ferry to the islands of Luing and Easdale.

Seil Island Online

When to travel

The best time of the year to visit the Argyll & Bute area of Scotland is in spring and early summer from April-June. In the peak season, July-August, not only are there crowds, the weather is once again fickle. It is just as likely to be hot and sunny as it is cold and wet.

The Weather Channel

Weather Underground

Things to keep in mind

Dress in layers. In Scotland, the weather can change several times in the course of a single day.

Explore

History & Culture

Learn more about the history of Easdale Island.

Eilean Eisdeal

Maps

Plot your route to Seil Island and around Scotland's western coast.

Streetmap

British Towns Network

MACS

Books

Books are a great way to introduce younger children to a new adventure and get teens and tweens ready for a family trip. Take a journey through Scottish literature and explore Scotland through tartan myths and books. Learn more about Scottish authors such as Alexander Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. Get recommended reading lists for family travel to Scotland and find age appropriate children's books that are designed to spark the interest kids and go beyond Peter Pan.

Tartan Myths

BBC

Scottish Authors

SLAINTE: Information & Libraries Scotland

BooksfromScotland.com

Scotland Reading Lists

kids can travel recommends

Longitude

Music & Sound

There is more to Scottish music than bagpipes. Scotland has a rich tradition of music and song. Learn more about Scottish ballads, fiddle and accordion bands as well as strathspeys and reels. But don't limit your exploration of sound to music. Explore Scottish wildlife through song. Listen to Peregrine and Black Grouse as well as other species of birds and learn to identify birdcalls before you depart on a trip to Scotland.

Scottish Music

Music in Scotland

Rampant Scotland

Wildlife Sounds

The British Library

News

There is more than the BBC in Scotland for news. Read Scottish news online and brush up on Scottish current events from politics to economics and from sports to entertainment. Discover what the Scots are reading.

Scottish Newspapers

Scotsman.com

The British Library

Kids' stuff

There are a variety of online resources that make preparing for a family holiday in Scotland fun. Use online resources to learn more about Scotland. From haunted castles to history and wave powered stations there's lots of neat stuff about Scotland that is interesting and exciting. Find out whose ghost wanders the halls of the castles you plan to visit. Discover how wave power works and why this and other types of renewable energy are important.

Haunted Castles

Rampant Scotland

History of Scotland

Academic Kids

Wave Powered Stations

TIME for Kids

Organizations

Associations and non-profit organizations can be a valuable resource as well as a means to get involved. Find out more about a few of the organizations involved in the conservation of nature and the environment as well as the preservation of Scotland's cultural heritage. Learn about entities that promote access and work to improve conditions for walkers in Scotland.

Nature and the Environment

Scottish Wildlife Trust

Forestry Commission

Cultural & Natural Heritage

The National Trust for Scotland

Working for Walkers

The Ramblers

Great family attractions in Seil Island