Slate Islands, The

For centuries Easdale was one of the largest slate quarrying centres in the world. Working to depths of 250 feet, 300 men toiled. During November 1881, a westerly gale whipped the seas into mountainous waves and the sea walls were breached, the quarries were filled and machinery and jobs were lost. People left and many immigrated to Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Today the village is again alive, the houses are being renovated, tourists visit and ceilidhs are held in the village hall. Life has come back to Ellenabeich.