late 17th century the Dukes of Argyll were the dominant landowners in the area and they began to lease land on a competitive basis rather than as the traditional means of strengthening the welfare of their senior clansmen. Neighbouring Seil, Luing and Shuna were subject to significant clearances of the indigenous population by Clan Campbell as early as 1699 and it is highly likely that Torsa suffered the same fate. The Slate Islands then became part of the Netherlorn estates of the Breadalbane family, a branch of Clan Campbell, whose affairs were directed from Ardmaddy Castle on the mainland. At the beginning of the 19th century there were eleven families living on the island who made use of the traditional run rig system of cultivation. In the mid-19th century the population was recorded as 9, 5 females and 4 males and by 1909 the island had a single farm. The 1961 census was the last record of any permanent inhabitation with a single resident living there at that time. During the 20th century most of the Breadalbane land on the Slate islands was sold off as smaller farms and individual houses. Torsa is still a part of Ardmaddy Estate today although this is now in the hands of the Struthers family. In 1928 a stone spindle whorl of unknown date was found on the central plateau of the island. Wildlife Red deer, roe deer and foxes can be found on the island and otters and seals can sometimes be seen along the shoreline. Various boat trips operate locally offering visitors the opportunity to see cetaceans and basking sharks. The island lies near the eastern edge of the Firth of Lorn Marine Special Area of Conservation and the waters surrounding all the Slate Islands are part of the Loch Sunart to the Sound of Jura Marine Protected Area. See also Luing cattle Scandinavian Scotland Notes References Citations Bibliography Coventry, Martin (2008) Castles of the Clans. Musselburgh. Goblinshead. Uninhabited islands of Argyll and Bute Slate Islands Tidal islands of Scotland