Torsay, one of the Slate Islands in Kilbrandon and Kilchattan parish, Argyllshire. It is separated by only narrow straits from Seil on the N, the mainland on the W, and Luing on the E. The strait between it and Luing offers a communication across, from ebb till half-tide, by a rocky bar not 100 yards in breadth; and is rendered so intricate and whirling by rocks and rocky islets, that the tide sweeps it with great rapidity, and in a perfect dance of complicated movement. The island is an irregular ellipsoid, the longer axis extending NE and SW; and it measures 3 miles by 1, having an area of 275 acres. Its surface exhibits one smooth green hill, 200 feet high, and a ridge of still lower elevation on the W, both- descending in gentle slopes to the sea. The whole of its E side, excepting a few trap rocks, and a little greywacke, consists of the same clay-slate as that for which Luing and Seil are celebrated. Pop. (1871) 20, (1881) 10.

(F.H. Groome, Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland (1882-4); © 2004 Gazetteer for Scotland)