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Mull and Tobermory |
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Mull and Tobermory |
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The largest island in the Inner Hebrides full of beautiful places, from the tips of its mountains, to the sand on its beaches |
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Mull is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides, just off the west coast of Scotland. If you have your own aeroplane, then getting there is simple, as a landing strip is available for use. If you don't happen to own an aircraft, then - aside from swimming - your only option is to board a ferry. There are links from both the mainland, and from the surrounding islands. Travelling this way has the added bonus of giving you a better opportunity to see all the wild, dazzling scenery that the Hebrides have to offer. Mull is full of beautiful places, from the tips of its mountains, to the sand on its beaches. |
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It's not just natural scenery, either. The island also contains some great architecture, such as the 13th-century Duart Castle, which was used in the Sean Connery film "Entrapment". Another notable building is Torosay Castle, which in reality is more like a house than a defensive fort. In 2008, a bottle of champagne was discovered here which was over a century old. It is regarded as priceless. The castle is open to the public, as are the grounds, with their beautiful gardens and woodland. |
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If you're travelling to Torosay from the port of Craignure, then you can use the Isle of Mull Railway. The service uses small steam and diesel trains, which offer great views of both Mull, and the Scottish mainland. |
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A small, but nevertheless well-known building is a mausoleum in the village of Gruline, which houses the remains of one of the area's most famous sons. His name was Lachlan Macquarie, and back in the 18th century, he grew up to become the Governor of New South Wales, in Australia. He spent twelve years in this position, and during that time, he had a bigger influence on the young country than anyone else in history. He explored much of the land, and helped set up the city of Sydney. To this day, many places in Australia are still named after him, including an island, several rivers, and a university. Interestingly, when Macquarie was setting up new places in Australia, he often reused place names from Mull. In the last few years of his life, Macquarie returned to Britain. He died in 1824 and the mausoleum containing his remains is situated close to his place of birth. The words on his tomb refer to him as the "Father of Australia". |
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Mull's only town is Tobermory, on the western side. It has around 700 residents, which represents around a third of the island's entire population. The place is probably best known as the setting for the children's television show, Balamory. In fact, the town could be said to resemble a children's drawing. All the houses are painted in bright colours, giving a fun, friendly atmosphere. Tobermory is focused around its harbour. This port contains the town's most famous places, such as the clock tower, which gazes out over the water. It is also home to Mull Museum, which covers local history and culture, and the Tobermory Distillery, which was founded in 1798. |
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An unusual highlight of the harbour is its most famous and celebrated eating establishment. This isn't a restaurant, though. It's actually a fish and chip van, located on the pier. This one's a little different though; they use only high quality, freshly caught produce, and cook it to perfection. Their previous customers include Prince Charles! |
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Duart Castle is open April to mid-October from 10:30am to 5:30pm (limited hours in April). Entry costs around £5.50 for adults, £3 for children. Isle of Mull, Argyll, Scotland, PA64 6AP. Tel: 01680 812 309 |
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Torosay Castle is open daily from April to mid-October. (Times are sporadic due to changes in ownership). Entry costs around £7 for adults, £4 for children. Craignure, Isle of Mull, PA65 6AY. Tel: 01680 812 421 |
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Mull Museum is open from Easter to October, Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm (occasional Sundays in summer). Entry is FREE. Columba Buildings, Main Street, Tobermory, PA75 6N. Tel: 01688 301 100 |
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