Luing History Group

04/06/2026

We have a NEW edition of Ancient Luing: a historical guide to the Isle of Luing, written by Mary Braithwaite!

It includes information that has emerged since the first edition was published with new perspectives on some of Luing’s prehistoric and historic sites, including the promontory forts and duns at Ardinamar and Ardluing, the roundhouse at Park and the Kilchattan church graffiti. And it now includes some of Luing’s historic characters, not least Hector of Ardluing and his dramatic rise and downfall in the 16th century.

The only thing that hasn’t changed is the price. Ancient Luing: a historical guide to the Isle of Luing costs £12.50 and is on sale now at the Atlantic Islands Centre!

Atlantic Islands Centre - Isle of Luing

27/04/2026

Slate production is set to return to the Isle of Luing after 60 years, raising hopes of jobs, housing and renewed life for the Hebridean island…

20/04/2026

At short notice this week on Wednesday 22 April we are holding 2 meetings to begin the Latvian Shipwreck anniversary work. At the AGM in March we mentioned that this October is the 90th anniversary of the sinking of the "Helena Faulbaums". Many of the crew are buried in our graveyard.

From 3.30 to 5 PM this Weds at the Atlantic Islands Centre we will look through two large folders of archives, photos, stories and facts to compile a timeline of records beginning with the Storm and its consequent shipwreck, and anniversaries since then and up to the present time. For those who are not familiar with the story this is a useful start.

Then on the same day from 7 to 8 PM this Weds we will meet to discuss ideas for how to commemorate the shipwreck in October this year.

Even if you are unable to attend this week you can still be involved at the further meetings or by contacting the committee members with ideas.

Very much looking forward to seeing you - All welcome!

N.B. The Centre itself is closed so sorry no bar is available!

04/03/2026

Don’t forget our AGM this Sunday 8th March! Non members are very welcome too! See you there!

Dear Fellow Members of Luing History Group,

You are warmly invited to the History Group AGM and meeting on Sunday March 8th at 3pm in the Atlantic Islands Centre. After a brief AGM, the theme of the meeting is Slate! There'll be several brief illustrated talks about slate history and a show of slate objects, old equipment and tools. We also plan to launch the final report of Innes MacQueen's work on Gaelic place-names of Luing, with some copies for sale.

If you come along earlier, the Centre cafe will be serving refreshments and bakes until 3pm.

Membership renewals can be made at the meeting - still £5 per year for over 18s, free for under 18s.

23/02/2026

Dear Fellow Members of Luing History Group,

You are warmly invited to the History Group AGM and meeting on Sunday March 8th at 3pm in the Atlantic Islands Centre. After a brief AGM, the theme of the meeting is Slate! There'll be several brief illustrated talks about slate history and a show of slate objects, old equipment and tools. We also plan to launch the final report of Innes MacQueen's work on Gaelic place-names of Luing, with some copies for sale.

If you come along earlier, the Centre cafe will be serving refreshments and bakes until 3pm.

Membership renewals can be made at the meeting - still £5 per year for over 18s, free for under 18s.

04/02/2026

04/02/2026

We have a new display in the Atlantic Islands Centre. Titled 'In Living Memory' this features some of the people associated with Luing in the more recent past.
It includes notably Angus Shaw of Shawfield (now Cluain) and his life in Luing and Belnahua as a child.
There's also mention of the Maid of Luing ferry and memories of life at the time from 1952-1972.
There are many other photos of life on Luing post-1950s and a selection of items in the display case.

31/10/2025

It’s tonight! Hope to see you later

Do join us on Friday October 31st for a convivial evening celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Luing History Group, which was formally established in 2000. Ann MacQueen and Julia Galbraith were two of the founding Committee Members and will be our Guests of Honour. The evening will be at the Atlantic Islands Centre from 7pm, with a potluck dinner and memories of what has been achieved over 25 years (we hope you will bring along a dish and your memories if you can). The bar opens at 6.30pm. If you would like a lift there and back, please let us know. Everyone welcome.

27/10/2025

Do join us on Friday October 31st for a convivial evening celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Luing History Group, which was formally established in 2000. Ann MacQueen and Julia Galbraith were two of the founding Committee Members and will be our Guests of Honour. The evening will be at the Atlantic Islands Centre from 7pm, with a potluck dinner and memories of what has been achieved over 25 years (we hope you will bring along a dish and your memories if you can). The bar opens at 6.30pm. If you would like a lift there and back, please let us know. Everyone welcome.

26/10/2025

On this day in 1936 the Latvian freight ship ‘Helena Faulbaums’ was shipwrecked off Belnahua. Luing and Latvia remember this tragedy with the loss of 15 crew. Captain Zughaus was returned to Riga but the others are buried here on Luing. Today the event was remembered at the Church service, with flowers at the gravestone, a display in the Atlantic Island Centre and with the Latvian flag in Cullipool.