Luing, an island of Kilbrandon and Kilchattan parish, Argyllshire, separated on the N from Seil Island by a strait scarcely 300 yards wide, and on the E from Torsa and Shuna Islands, also by narrow straits. Lying 1 mile to 3½ miles W of the coast of Nether Lorn and the entrance of Loch Melfort, it extends 6 miles in a direction nearly due N and S, nowhere exceeds 1½ mile in breadth, and has an area of 3797½ acres, of which 291 are foreshore and 121/7 water. As grouped with the several islands near, it exhibits an extensive range of picturesque and pleasing scenery. The surface in the N rises into rocky cliffs and eminences, approximates the form of two distinct ranges of heights, and attains an extreme altitude of 650 feet; but in all other parts, and generally round the coast, it is mostly low, though nowhere absolutely flat. Clay slate of fissile character is the predominant rock, and has been largely quarried for roofing. The land is chiefly under sheep at present; but during this century several hundred acres have been reclaimed from a comparatively waste condition; and one farm has a remarkably fine suite of dwellings and offices. Lord Breadalbane is sole proprietor. Pop. (1861) 521, (1871) 582, (1881) 527, of whom 488 were Gaelic-speaking.
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