For some reason –
perhaps because it is easy to pronounce, the old slate quarrying community of
Ellenabeich is often called Easdale. Technically, though, Easdale is the island
just off shore.
It is an area of dramatic cliffs where quarrying looks as though it only ended yesterday, rather than 44 years ago. There is plenty of spoil about the place.
The view to the North West takes in Insh Island and distant (and cloud capped) Mull.
The present jetty at Ellenabeich with Easdale Island beyond and behind that it could be Jura although with so many islands it is hard to be sure.
I rather like this juxtaposition of the sheep and the trampoline. That certainly doesn’t look like a hardy Scottish sheep. I dare say the climate is mild here, washed, as the island is, by the Gulf Stream.
Quarry workers cottages. Apparently much of the village has become an artist colony in recent years. I imagine they find much to paint.
The old dockside crane, for loading and unloading ships stands at the centre of the village. An explanation board gives its history.
Extracts from another explanation board.
This is the flooded quarry.
It looks peaceful now.
But as you can read, it was 80 metres deep and a veritable hive of industry at one time.
You may have seen quite a lot of cars parked in photos. Ellenabeich is quite a popular tourist destination. But this seems unexpected.
The bus trippers quickly vanished into the rather classy souvenir shop.
We took in the little museum. Apparently there is more on Easdale Island and enjoyed the delightful terraces of cottages. Let’s be honest. They are lovely to live in and I’m sure I could enjoy a holiday in one, but they’d be a bit on the small side for normal life.
Cliffs and ‘shipping’.
More islets to enjoy.
The rather sad remains of the old jetty. It must be just as well that the crane was removed. Populous Easdale Island is beyond.
A final reminder of what Ellenabeich is about – slate quarrying.
