Ellenabeich

Settlement in Argyllshire

Scotland

Ellenabeich

Ellenabeich is a picturesque village located in Argyllshire, Scotland. Situated on the Isle of Seil, it is a small community with an interesting history and stunning natural surroundings.

The village is known for its traditional whitewashed cottages, which line the narrow streets and create a charming atmosphere. Many of these cottages were once homes to slate quarry workers, as Ellenabeich was a major slate mining area in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, some of these cottages have been converted into cozy holiday accommodations, attracting visitors who appreciate the village's unique character.

One of the notable landmarks in Ellenabeich is the Easdale Island Folk Museum. Housed in a former slate quarry worker's cottage, the museum showcases the history and heritage of the area. Visitors can learn about the quarrying industry and the daily lives of the people who lived and worked here.

Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the village's natural beauty. The Isle of Seil offers stunning coastal scenery, with rocky shores, hidden coves, and breathtaking views over the surrounding islands. There are also opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and kayaking.

Ellenabeich is well-connected to the mainland by a bridge, making it easily accessible for tourists. It is a peaceful and idyllic place to visit, offering a glimpse into Scotland's industrial past and an opportunity to appreciate its rugged coastal beauty.

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Ellenabeich Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.290991/-5.6330637 or Grid Reference NM7516. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Sea wall, at Ellenabeich, Seil Island

The lower part protected by a strong plastic net, which is providing good support for the seaweed.

M J Richardson

Crane No. 295 at Ellenabeich

It originally stood on the timber pier and served the 19thC paddle steamer traffic from Glasgow to Fort William. By 2000 the pier was deteriorating and the crane was in danger of falling into the sea. It was repaired and reinstalled by Alan Walker of Samuel Walker & Sons, Glasgow, in memory of his father- see NM7417 : Crane No. 295 at Ellenabeich

M J Richardson

Crane No. 295 at Ellenabeich

Details of the crane NM7417 : Crane No. 295 at Ellenabeich and its restoration.

M J Richardson

Sgeir nam Ban

Flooded slate quarry at Ellenabeich, and the back of cottages on one of the two streets.

M J Richardson

Sgeir nam Ban

Flooded slate quarry at Ellenabeich, houses to the east, and a good growth of Rosebay Willowherb on some open ground.

M J Richardson

The Easdale Ferry

The ferry crossing to Easdale from Ellenbeich.

Duncan Gray

Toadlets

Two out of hundreds of toadlets that were crawling about in the grounds of Garagh Mhor to the north of the flooded quarry in Ellenabeich, Seil. These are almost certainly young Common Toads (Bufo bufo) as I believe young Natterjacks sport the yellow stripe that is distinctive of the adults.

Rob Farrow

Seil - Ellenabeich - Village street

Looking down the northernmost of the parallel streets that make up the village of Ellenabeich on the Isle of Seil. This village is at the southwestern end of the island, overlooking the tiny island of Easdale.

Rob Farrow

Seil - Ellenabeich - Flooded quarry

One of the former quarries in Ellenabeich, Seil which is now entirely flooded but remains inland. Another quarry which was beside the coast has now been inundated by the sea, but this one is flooded with fresh water. This view is from the grounds of Garagh Mhor.

Rob Farrow

Easdale - Former quarry, northernmost quarry

This is a view, from the north, of the northernmost of all Easdale's numerous quarries. The number of quarries on this tiny island have resulted in it having a moth-eaten appearance from the air (see NM7317 : Island of Easdale off Seil)

Rob Farrow

Easdale - Village from the hill

Taken from the top of the hill in Easdale (125', 38m elevation) looking down on the village which faces Ellenabeich on Seil.

Rob Farrow

Easdale - View southwestwards from the hill

Taken from by the toposcope atop the 125' (38m) hill in the centre of Easdale island, looking southwestwards with the finger of land of Rubha nam Faoileann pointing out on the left of the picture. The island to the right of the 'pointing finger' is Garbh Eileach the largest of the Garvellach islands. The larger dark land to the right of the image is part of the Isle of Mull with Insh Island in front of it, much nearer the camera.

Rob Farrow

Seil - Sheep hold-up

A short hiatus on our way down the B8003 through Seil to catch the ferry at Cuan to travel over to Luing. It was only a brief hold-up though as the sheep were soon steered off to the right.

Rob Farrow

Seil - Ellenabeich beneath Dùn Mòr from Luing

Taken from close to NM7514 : Luing - Cnoc na h-Earde - small inlets looking across NM7514 : Cuan Sound to the village of Ellenabeich on the Isle of Seil as it nestles beneath to towering cliffs of Dùn Mòr which rises to 106m (348')

Rob Farrow

Seil - drive to Kilbrandon church car park

The driveway on the right leads up to the carpark for NM7515 : Seil - Kilbrandon church from the B8003 which continues on the left on its way to Cuan.

Rob Farrow

Seil - Kilbrandon church

Kilbrandon church is famed for its stained glass. The five windows are the work of Douglas Strachan and were presented to the church in 1938 in memory of the Marchioness of Breadalbane. Unfortunately on our visit the church wasn't open; however other Geograph contributors have been luckier - see the shared description below.

Rob Farrow

Seil - Ellenabeich - Quarrymen's cottages - view eastwards

The northernmost row of the former quarrymen's cottages that make up the majority of the houses in the village of Ellenabeich on the Isle of Seil. Photograph taken as the sun was setting. See shared descriptions below.

Rob Farrow

Seil - Ellenabeich - Quarrymen's cottages - view westwards

The northernmost row of the former quarrymen's cottages that make up the majority of the houses in the village of Ellenabeich on the Isle of Seil. For the view in the opposite direction, see NM7417 : Seil - Ellenabeich - Quarrymen's cottages - view eastwards See shared descriptions below.

Rob Farrow

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Ellenabeich is located at Grid Ref: NM7516 (Lat: 56.290991, Lng: -5.6330637)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire