[Gazetteer of Scotland Contents]
LUING, an island in the parish of Kilbrandon, Argyleshire. It is 6½ miles in length, and rarely more than one in breadth. It is separated on the north from Seil by a strait scarcely 300 yards wide; and it thence extends due southward at a distance of from 1½ to 3½ miles from the coast of Nether Lorn, and the entrance of Loch-Melfort, with the islands of Torsay and Shuna upon its east side. As grouped with these two islands and with Seil, it exhibits an extensive range of picturesque and pleasing scenery. The surface is in general low, though never absolutely flat, along the coasts and in the southern district; but, as it recedes northward, it rises into many rocky eminences and cliffs, shows a slight tendency toward the formation of two distinct ranges, and attains an extreme altitude of between 600 and 700 feet. Clay slate forms at once the great mass of the island, and the source of popular employment and support. A large population is segregated here – as in Seil – for the manufacture of roofing slates. The cultivation of the soil is in an improved state on the low grounds, the hollows, and the gentler declivities, and has been warmly fostered by the pressure of population. Mr. Raspe, who was employed by the proprietors to survey some of the Western Islands, asserts that lead, zinc, and silver, have been found in Luing; but Dr. McCulloch suggests doubts as to the accuracy of his report.