These islands, Jura south of Loch Tarbert and the eastern part of the Sound are one of 40 National Scenic Areas in Scotland.

[1] Am Fraoch Eilean (meaning "heather isle") contains the ruins of the medieval stronghold Claig Castle.

Unusually for the Argyll islands the design, which is a Norman square tower with 3-metre-thick (10-foot) walls, is similar in style to mainland castles of the period.

[4] In 1549 Dean Monro wrote: "At the mouth of Kyle Ila, betwixt it and Duray, lyes ane ile, callit in Erische Leid Ellan Charne, in English the iyle of Earne".

[6] Argyll and Bute Council operate a vehicle and passenger ferry service across the Sound from Feolin slipway on the west coast of Jura to Port Askaig on Islay, and Caledonian MacBrayne operate a vehicle and passenger ferry between Port Askaig and Kennacraig, on the mainland in West Loch Tarbert.