Explore the Isle of Luing
Most people have never heard of Luing - and that’s one of the things that makes it so special. One of Scotland’s best-kept secrets, people who come for a one-time visit find themselves here year after year. Pronounced “Ling” (not Loo-ing!) and taking just three minutes from mainland to island, our island enjoys the shortest ferry crossing in Scotland. Located just 30 minutes south of Oban, Luing has all the benefits of better-known hebridean islands without the crowd or the hassle.
With a population of less than 200 people, Luing is a true undiscovered treasure. But don’t be fooled - there’s plenty to do here.
See below for our suggestions on how to make the most of your stay.
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…of the island, for what some say is the best view in Scotland. Look out over Fladda lighthouse and do some island-spotting to see if you can identify Mull or Scarba. The tidal streams in the Firth of Lorn are notoriously treacherous, and make a spectacular sight - looking down on them from the high point is not to be missed.
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The Atlantic Islands Centre in Cullipool has a locally sourced menu and friendly staff. There is also a gift shop with beautiful handmade crafts, all made by island residents. Try your first Langoustines (seasonal) or treat yourself to the much talked-about cakes and confectionery from the Luing Bakers. The Centre also hosts regular events including craft and writing workshops, yoga classes, and a fortnightly bar night on Saturdays.
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…right from the deck of your suite. We’re lucky to have a family of Otters living in Torsa Bay, right below the site, as well as a favourite hangout spot for Grey and Common Seals. If you’re a keen birdwatcher, keep your eyes on the skies and sea around the island for Sea Eagles, Golden Eagles, and rare species such as Great Northern Divers and even Puffins. Read more about the local wildlife on our Blog page.
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…to see the picturesque white hebridean cottages perched on the edge of the sea within the conservation villages, and learn more about the rich history of the quarrying industry that gave the Slate Islands their name.
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…carved into the walls of the ancient Kilchattan graveyard church. Read all about the commonwealth war graves and the sorrowful fate of the Latvian Steamship Helena Faulbaums which foundered on a reef just off Luing in 1936.
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Wander along our famous slate beaches and find geological marvels like fool’s gold embedded in smooth round pebbles that make the perfect skimming stones. So much so that the World Stone Skimming championships are held nearby, on Easdale Island.
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…in the crystal-clear waters of Luing. The benefits of cold-water swimming have been well-documented, and residents swim all year round. Unless you’re experienced with cold-water swimming, we would recommend a wetsuit as well as boots and gloves year-round, except on warm and sunny days. Our team is happy to recommend the best spots used by locals!
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…with SeaKayak Oban - take a course, day trip, or rent your own for an unforgettable adventure. If you think the view from the island is good, you need to see it from out there! Please be aware - tidal currents are strong and can be unpredictable in some parts, so do your research or go with a guide if you’re inexperienced.
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…to see the famous Corryvreckan Whirlpool and amazing local wildlife. Sealife Adventures is located just a five minute drive from the Luing ferry, and provides 3,4, or 5-hour wildlife experiences with chances to see Porpoise, Whales, Dolphins, Eagles, and other rare Scottish wildlife. All trips go via the Corryvreckan Whirlpool, the third largest in the world. To see the whirlpool at its most active, be sure to book onto a Corryvreckan Special.
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…in our gorgeous marine protected area to see a breathtaking array of marine life. Sealife Adventures runs private dive trips for those with qualifications, or simply grab your snorkelling gear and get stuck in!
Sitting like a jewel in the midst of a marine protected area, the surrounding waters are some of the most stunning and naturally diverse in Scotland. The clean air, open skies, and lapping waves soothe troubled minds and bodies alike, and our warm and welcoming community will make you feel like you’ve come home, not left it.
WildLife
We’re lucky here at WildLuing to have a breathtaking array of wildlife right on our doorstep - just below the site is a favourite hangout spot for Seals and Otters. If you’re a keen birdwatcher, keep your eyes on the skies and sea around the island for Gannets, Sea Eagles, Golden Eagles, rare species such as Great Northern Divers and even Puffins.
Head down to Cullipool beach with a picnic to look out for dolphins, or down to Toberonochy harbour to watch the local creel fishermen bring in their catch. There is a huge number of species to be spotted here, depending on the season - watch out for the famous Luing Toads in late summer, when the tiny pea-sized toadlets exit the quarry pools in a mass exodus, only to mysteriously disappear a couple of weeks later.
Almost more remarkable is the wildlife we don’t have - some species have
never populated the island, including rabbits, badgers, and rats.
Read more about the local wildlife on our Blog page, or
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