The Isle of Mull

Location

The Isle of Mull is a wee island located on the West Coast of Scotland. It is accessible by ferry (Caledonian MacBrayne ferries) from Oban.

It is really easy to visit the isle by car, however I would advise to be careful as roads only lets one car pass at a time and it is sometimes narrow.
 The geography of the isle offers beautiful views on the sea and Scottish mounts.

Most villages are situated on the shores of the isle. The principal ones being Tobermory and Craignure (there are actually points where ferries are available).

History

Vikings lived on the Isle of Mull, and the Middle Age has seen edifices being built such as the Moy Castle or Duart castle. During the 17th to 19th centuries chiefs of clan MacLean, clan MacDonald, and other lairds built houses and mansions. The rest of the population were leaving in small black houses on the shores of the isle, living from fishing and hunting.

Tobermory, the first "city" of the island was built in 1788 by fisheries industry. After a tragic potato famine in 1831, the number of inhabitants droped dramatically. By the 20th century, most of Mull's population had moved away. Nowadays, farming, fishing and forestry are the principal activities on the isle. Tourism is also responsible for much of the isle's economy.

Wildlife

The Isle of Mull is well known for its rich wildlife. Indeed, you can observe otters, whales and dolphins, deers, birds such as eagles and seals around this isle and the isle named Iona.

These animals are observable because Mull is a quiet place, with not so much population. Only around 3000 people are living on this isle. That makes it a wonderful destination for restful holidays.

What to visit

There is a lot to do and to visit on the isle of Mull. It is as well easy to get a boat to visit surrounding islands such as Staffa or Iona.

On Staffa you can visit Fingal's cave, a majestual cave on the very south shore of the isle. You can also observe, from the start of May until the start of August a colony of puffins. These birds are coming to the isle to nest and raise their chicks. Indeed, puffins are usually born during the summer.

  

Iona is located jus in front of the south of the isle of Mull. It is accessible via boat from Fionnphort. There, you can admire wild beaches, historical sites or enjoy a boat trip to either Staffa or Treshnish isles.


 On the Isle of Mull, there are a few places that you might want to visit.

• The Isle of Erraid - accessible by foot, during low tide (watch out for the tide as you need to cross back before the high tide). On this isle you can observe mostly sea lions (south bay), and other animals.
• Tobermory - North East of the Isle of Mull
• Fionnphort - South West of the Isle of Mull
• Duart Castle - South East of the Isle of Mull