Overview of Luing

The island of Luing lies between Scarba and Seil in Argyll and Bute Council Area. Separated from Seil by the Cuan Sound, Luing is a long island with an area of 1543 ha (3813 acres) and reaching a height of 94m (308 feet) at Beinn Furachail. The island has many tidal islands that surround the coastline, the largest of these being Torsay (Torsa) located to the northeast. There are three main settlements on Luing that are home to the majority of the island's population. The principal settlement of Cullipool is located on the west coast while Ardinamir (also Ardinamar) and Toberonochy lie on the east coast. The population declined to 187 (1961) and 151 (1971), before growing once again to 157 (1981), 179 (1991) and 212 (2001). The island was once important for its slate mines, but is now noted for a unique breed of red beef cattle, produced by the Cadzow family in 1947 as the result of a cross between Beef Shorthorn and Highland cattle. Lobster fishing is also an important industry, based in Cullipool. There are numerous Iron-Age forts on the eastern side of the island, centred around Ardinimir.

Luing remains connected to the island of Seil to the north by a vehicle ferry, while the residents discuss the benefits and problems of a fixed link.