Scarba, Cullipool, Isle Of Luing

Cullipool is the largest village on the Isle of Luing and is situated at the northern end of the western side of the island. It is known for being a slate quarrying village and the village’s history is steeped in its slate-mining heritage. The Atlantic Islands’ Museum and Visitor Centre helps to tell the island’s story and has its own café. Neat rows of white workers’ cottages form the backbone of the village with the black slate shoreline creating a stark contrast. Just outside the village is a large water-filled slate quarry and to the north is further evidence of slate quarrying which only ended in 1965. Nestled above the village is a striking church situated on the hillside and from here the views over the village are spectacular. Also worth seeing on the island are the numerous Iron Age forts found on the eastern side and centred around Ardinimir. Close to Cullipool is the island’s only shop and there is also a pleasant harbour area here where the village’s thriving lobster industry is now established. From here there are stunning views toward some of the nearby uninhabited islands such as Belnahua and Fladda.