The Isle of Luing is one of the Slate Islands, a group of the Inner Hebrides located 15 miles south of Oban. With a population of less than 200 people, Luing is a truly undiscovered, remote and beautiful part of the world and indeed, Scotland. The Isle of Luing will now be best known as the home of the new WildLuing, which will offer stylish, unique and luxurious accommodation in the wild, ideal for couples, groups, dog owners, adventure lovers and wildlife seekers alike.
WildLuing is a labour of love, built and designed by the Cadzow family who have lived and farmed on the Isle of Luing for over 75 years. Brothers, Jack and Archie oversaw the building, while the stylish interiors were overseen by Jack’s wife, Emily and mother, Tooti. It has been a real family affair, founded on a love for comfort and the great outdoors. The Cadzow family are known on the island for creating Luing Cattle (a breed that has been officially recognised since 1965), for implementing green initiatives like ‘Mob Grazing’ and harnessing renewable energy through wind turbines. Archie, Jack and Emily are now carrying the baton forward for WildLuing and their vision has a focus on young people, sustainable thinking and new ideas.
WildLuing consists of The Observatory and eight luxury self-catering ‘WildSuites’. The Observatory is nestled in the centre of the site and is the central hub that features a large dining table, seating 20 people, and a dramatic backdrop out to sea. The WildSuites sit in a commanding position, saluting the sea and looking out to the otters and seals in Torsa bay in the Firth of Lorn. The WildSuites are where luxury accommodation meets raw Atlantic beauty. Sleeping two people, all of the WildSuites have been built on top of repurposed railway sleepers to ensure minimal impact on the local environment. Each WildSuite is ensuite and features either grand roll top baths or showers. All the suites showcase sumptuous super king beds or twin beds, modern kitchen facilities with a fridge, panoramic seascapes, boutique interior design themes throughout and a spacious outdoor deck that features a fire pit. Drawing inspiration from the coast, the WildSuites showcase pared back, tranquil and nautical interiors. Individually furnished, the WildSuites are named after lesser known islands nearby to Luing and include ‘Creags’, ‘Erraid’, ‘Insh’, ‘Sula’, ‘Fladda’, ‘Losal’, ‘Scarba’ and ‘Torsa’.
Guests of WildLuing can enjoy beautiful coastal walks, country hikes and wild swimming. Nature lovers will also be in their element with the amazing wildlife that is right on WildLuing’s doorstep. Guests can sit on their deck chairs outside their WildSuite and spot the family of otters living in Torsa Bay, as well as the colony of grey and common seals. There are also sea eagles, golden eagles, and rare species such as great northern divers and puffins. The WildLuing team ensure guests are well looked after and can organise picnics in the wild, farm visits, boating adventures and activities such as kayaking, snorkelling and diving.
Co-owner Emily Cadzow comments – ”We are thrilled to see all our hard work and dedication come to life with the opening of WildLuing, Scotland’s best kept secret. Not only does comfort, culture, and wilderness come together in a beautiful island setting at WildLuing, but our team believes we have a responsibility to protect the environment and keep it habitable for the diverse species that live on Luing. With the opening of WildLuing, we are working to make Luing even greener through highlighting local and sustainable produce, introducing bird nests to encourage more bird life and carrying out beach cleans in association with The Scottish Coastal Clean Up, to protect the marine life and the free-roaming livestock that call Luing home”.
With an indulgent, welcome hamper on arrival full of local ingredients such as eggs, butter, milk and even delicious fudge freshly prepared by the local baker, guests of WildLuing can visit the local food shops on Luing and return to cook in the comfort of their WildSuite. Why not try cooking a flame-grilled Luing steak, or lamb, oysters and venison from WildLuing’s own farm? Alternatively, the team can organise for their private chef to provide a feast in The Observatory, arrange for ingredients ahead of guests stay and give guests sumptuous hampers that feature fresh cuts of meat or local seafood at an extra cost. The team recently teamed up with the amazing chefs at Ballintaggart Farm & Restaurant to bring attention to the beautiful island and the produce on it and are looking forward to hosting more feasts and chef partnerships in the future.
In 2024, WildLuing will be introducing a new pontoon, more bird nests and a sauna to further enhance this wild, yet luxurious experience. Just a 30-minute drive from the Hebridean travel hub of Oban, Luing is truly a wild, yet convenient holiday destination, and WildLuing, a hidden gem.
HOW: Guests can book a stay at WildLuing and choose from eight luxury self-catering WildSuites. WildSuites sleep 2 people and are priced from £200 per night in low season.The Observatory is available for event hire and group bookings. Exclusive use of the site including optional catering and full use of accommodation and the Observatory is also available by prior arrangement. Go to the WildLuing website www.wildluing.com to find out more.