Bridge over the Atlantic, Seil
The Clachan Bridge is a simple, single-arched, hump-backed, masonry bridge spanning the Clachan Sound, 13 kilometres (8 mi) southwest of Oban in Argyll, Scotland. It links the west coast of the Scottish mainland to the island of Seil.
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Clachan
Seil
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The delightful humpbacked bridge spans a narrow channel waterway called the Clachan Sound. Because both ends of the sound spill into the Atlantic Ocean, the little one-arched bridge has been dubbed the “Bridge Over the Atlantic.”
The stone bridge joins the Hebridean island of Seil to mainland Scotland. It was originally designed by John Stevenson of Oban in 1792 and built by engineer Robert Mylne between 1792 and ‘93.
Crossing the bridge reveals outstanding views up and down the Firth of Lorn. If you head from mainland Scotland to Seil, you’ll come across a curiously named inn called Tigh an Truish (The House of the Trousers). It’s named this because several years after the Jacobite rebellion—when the British government tried to suppress Gaelic culture banning kilts, tartan, bagpipes, and language—islanders heading for work on the mainland would change into trousers here and back into their kilts when returning home.
To the right of the Inn is a footpath to the beautiful Puilladbhobhrain Anchorage (pronounced Pulldoran). This popular and very beautiful anchorage is sheltered in all conditions and a convenient stopping point for yachts going North from Ardfern or Cruabh Haven or South from Sound of Mull or Oban.
The short walk over the hill is amply rewarded by the warm welcome at the pub which has a superb range of whiskies, good food and an unusual bar stool.
Images: Mike Lunch, Navionics - with thanks