The isle of Mull is worth a visit as it's so near to Ardnamurchan. The island has 300 miles of scenic coastline and stunning beaches and is just a 35 minute ferry ride away from Kilchoan (summer time only) or a 15 minute journey from Lochaline (year round) and Tobermory's colourful houses are home to the famous children's TV series Ballamory.

A Wee Bit of History

During the Bronze Age 'Beaker' people lived on Mull, their burial cairns, cists, standing stones, stone circles, and corded beaker pottery and knife blades record their existence.

In 1788 Tobermory was built by the British Fisheries Society as a planned settlement. Over the centuries Mull's population increased to 10,638 in 1831, but first the Potato Famine and then the Highland Clearances rapidly reduced this number. By the 20th Century much of the population has emigrated and there were more sheep on Mull than people.

Today the economic mainstays are farming, fishing and forestry but increasingly tourism is responsible for much of the island's economy. Many of the population of the islands are Macleans, MacLaines, MacKinnons, Macquarries and MacDonalds, decendents of Mull's ancient clans.

Things to Do on Mull

• Have a wee dram and a tour of the Tobermory Distillery.
• Play 9 holes at Tobermorey or Craignure Golf Course.
• Visit Tobermory Open Farm - a children's farm with a woodland walk, tearoom, play area and go-karting track.
• Take a Discover Mull landrover safari to discover wildlife, history, geology and fantastic scenery.
• Take the Balamory Express to the baronial Toronsay Castle. With a tearoom and 12 acres of gardens to explore this is a fantastic place for the whole family.
• Hunt for dolphin, whales, shark and other wildlife on a Sea Life Survey.
• Fish on the lochs - permits are available together with boat hire for Mishnish Loch, Aros Loch and others.
• Go to one of the many music festivals with everything from classical Mendelssohn to contemporary acts.