Isle of Luing

Scotland > West of Scotland > Argyll > Isle of Luing

The Isle of Luing with white-washed old quarry worker cottages, lush grassland and abundant wildlife makes it a tranquil place, with good views to Mull and the other small islands that surround it. It is easily accessible from the mainland by a short ferry crossing.
Early signs of human settlement on the Isle include 2 ruined hill forts. The southern most of these still has a flight of steps and a pillared doorways with markings. The northern fort was excavated at the end of the 19th Cent. and a some Bronze Age artifacts were found. The island was under the control of the Lord of the Isles and passed through the hands of the MacDougals, the MacDonalds, the MacLeans and the Campbells.
There is also the remains of an early "loch dwelling" built of oak logs bond together on a mass of stones. Other sites include the ruined church of Kilchattan. Gravestones of note in the graveyard include those of Covenanter Alexander Campbell.
The island is primarily slate, with narrow bands of basalt running north-west to south-east across it. The villages of Cullipool and Toberonochy both had slate quarries being worked during the 18th and 19th centuries. Many islanders today are still employed in agriculture and fishing for seafood.
Today the island is home to the famous Luing breed of cattle, a Highland - Shorthorn cross. The Isle of Luing is the perfect base for a relaxing holiday.