Pictures of the Island Of Mull Scotland, three hundred
miles of coastline and a picture round each corner and
every mile a delight to the eye of the landscape photographer.
The Island of Mull is a gloriously unspoilt Island, lying
off the West coast of Scotland and is a heaven on earth
for the amateur or professional photographer.There are
areas of wilderness, fantastic waterfalls, stunning beaches
and sea caves and of course the hills of Mull provide
some great walking, in particular Ben More.
Sail to Craignure from Oban and as you pass Duart Castle
( the ancestral home of Clan MacLean ) the outside world
drifts slowly away and for the rest of your visit, you
can look forward to a holiday of discovery and relaxation.
The town of Tobermory which was built in the late 18th
century by the British Fisheries Society, is the undisputed
capital of the Island and is well known for its multi
coloured shops and houses which line the main street facing
Tobermory Bay. Today the town is a great base from which
to discover the Island and offers plenty shops and accomodation
as well as its own tourist attractions. Sample a fine
single malt at the distillery which is at the west end
of the main street. Suitably refreshed with a few drams,
walk or maybe stagger ( depending on how many you have
had ) to the edge of the Bay and here, you can let your
imagination take you back to the time of the Spanish Armada.
There is reputed to be the wreck of a Spanish Galleon
lying at the bottom of the Bay. The ship, full of treasure
was part of the defeated Armada of 1588 and was trying
to escape the English fleet when it anchored in the bay
at Tobermory, which at that time was known as Ledaig.
After having stocked up with provisions for the rest of
their journey, the story tells of how they attempted to
leave without making payment, but the ship caught fire
and sank along with the crew and the fabled treasure.
Some accounts of the incident say that it was a local
man who boarded the ship and set fire to the gunpowder.
So my advice is, do not leave without paying for your
B&B and make sure you have settled up with the local
grocer. Despite many attempts to locate the wreck no trace
of it has ever been found. Still its a good yarn anyway.
A favourite book of mine, which I am drawn to again and
again is 'Tall Tales From An Island' by Peter MacNab.
I bought it many years ago in Tobermory and still enjoy
the stories. It was printed by Luath Press and I'm sure
is still in print.
Mull is an Island of peninsulas and a drive round its
coastline will provide hours of enjoyment. A walk to the
arches at Carsaig on the Ross of Mull, or the fossil tree
at the Burg on the Ardmeanach peninsula are both worthwhile,
whilst the children would enjoy a ride on the only island
passenger railway in Scotland which you will find near
Craignure pier. Do not miss a visit to the nearby Island
of Staffa and Fingal's cave, the inspiration for Mendelssohn's
" Hebrides Overture" which he wrote, after his
visit to the island when he was inspired by the sound
of the waves as they crashed into the cave.
Of course you cannot mention Mull without thinking of
its world famous neighbour Iona, the cradle of Christianity
in Scotland.
Iona is a tiny island of great serenity and is an island
with a unique place in the story of Scotland. Sitting
on top of the little hill "Dun I" the highest
point on the island, the hours pass quickly as you admire
the natural beauty of the setting before you. I find the
atmosphere here, unlike any other place in Scotland.
St.Columba or Columcille, came from Ireland to the Isle
of Iona where he founded his monastery in the year 563.
He then travelled throughout Scotland, making converts
and building churches, his influence reaching into the
North of England and beyond. Many Kings of Scotland are
buried on Iona, among the last was MacBeth who was slain
in 1057. If there is such a thing as a quiet time to visit
Iona, then you will enjoy it that much more, but even
at the height of the tourist season, you will find places
to experience the peace which is Iona.
You will enjoy every minute of your visit to Mull and
Iona but don't take my word for it, try it for yourself
when you Visit Scotland.
