Around ten miles south of Oban Cross the famous Atlantic Bridge to the island of Seil. Pass if you can, the welcoming Tigh an Truish Hotel just over the bridge, carry on past Balvicar golf course arriving some 3 miles later at the former home of C John Taylor - the village of Ellenabeich.

Ellenabeich owes its existence to slate quarrying industry which took place in the area in the 18th and 19th centuries. Seil, together with nearby islands Easdale, Luing and Belnahua are known as the slate islands - "the islands that roofed the world". Today you can make the 3 minute crossing by passenger ferry to the peaceful car-free island of Easdale from the ferry slip, a few yards from the Highland Arts Exhibition. Easdale island features many deep quarries, now filled in by remarkably clear water by a disastrous storm in 1881. More information on the local slate industry can be found in the Easdale Island Folk Museum or by chatting to locals in the Puffer Bar and Restaurant. Easdale Island is also the home to the The World Stoneskimming Championships which take place every September.