The village of Balvicar is found on Seil, the most northerly of the Slate Islands, attached to the Scottish mainland by the Clachan Bridge, built in 1793 and now famously known as the ‘Bridge over the Atlantic’ as it spans the narrow strip of ocean. This is a very peaceful and tranquil area, with an abundance of wildlife and spectacular scenery which is wonderful for walking, birdwatching, cycling, boating and fishing. Balvicar’s village shop and post office boast a wide range of groceries, newspapers, fishing tackle for sale and golf clubs for use at the adjacent Golf Club. The two other inhabited slate islands, Easdale and Luing, are reached by a small passenger ferry and a car ferry respectively. Not to be missed are the high adrenaline boat trips by Sea-fari and the more sedate trips by Sealife Adventures, which offer a wide range of marine eco-tours that include visits to the Gulf of Corryvreckan, home of the world’s third largest whirlpool, whale and dolphin watching as well as the chance to spot basking sharks and a wealth of seabirds.
