Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 26 on 21/04/2006.

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Idyllic Easdale

The first in a new series of island features. Written and photographed by John Hannavy

Across the ‘Atlantic Bridge’ over Clachan Sound to Seil Island, 10 minutes in what was probably the only traffic jam the island had ever experienced as water mains were replaced, and a short journey on the twisting B844 brought us down to the hamlet and harbour at Ellenabeich – itself once an island, but joined to Seil by a causeway of slate waste in the 19th century.

Across the narrow strip of water, baking beneath an unusually hot sun, was our destination and the home of the world stoneskimming championships – the tiny island of Easdale, probably the island with the most un- Scottish name imaginable!

I had been told that the island offered some great photography, and that the little pub on the island offered delightful food, drink and company. Add to those attractions my natural curiosity for an island the name of which suggests it should be in Yorkshire, and where better to start my island odyssey for Scotland Magazine? In every way, what we found exceeded our expectations.

To the locals it is Eilean Eisdeal which both looks and sounds a little more Scottish, but on the maps for some reason, it is always given the anglicised name.

The quarter mile ferry crossing to Easdale is free. It is the return journey which is charged for – a strange decision as it takes only a few hours on the island to germinate the idea of staying there forever.

We had arrived at Ellenabeich just too late for the last ferry before coffee time – the service is suspended from 10.50 until 11.20 w.....

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By John Hannavy

Section : Scottish Islands

Page number : 18