Information about the Isle of Mull

Mull Information

The Isle of Mull (or simply Mull; Muile in Scottish Gaelic) is the second largest island of the Inner Hebrides, off the west coast of Scotland in the council area of Argyll and Bute.

In the 2001 census the usual resident population of Mull, Iona and Ulva was 1,841; in the summer this is supplemented by many more tourists. Much of the population lives in Tobermory, the only burgh on the island until 1973, and its capital.

Ferry links to Mull from the mainland include Oban to Craignure (approx. 45 minutes), Kilchoan to Tobermory and Lochaline to Fishnish (approx. 15 minutes, suspended in rough weather). The Oban to Craignure link requires car drivers to be there 30 minutes before departure (advance booking strongly advised for summer Saturdays) (locals can usually avoid this, but not in busy summer months). While Fishnish is a further drive north (advanced bookings not required), it is often the quickest route if you are confident with single-track roads.

Ferry links from Mull travel to the surrounding islands of (from Fionnphort) Iona and Ulva. In past years there were direct sailings to Oban (calling at Drimnin, Salen , Lochaline and Craignure – daily except Sunday) and Barra (calling at Coll and Tiree – Monday, Wednesday and Friday – returning direct to Oban on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) from Tobermory. During the summer there was also a sailing to Staffa and Iona from Oban which called at Tobermory.

The Isle of Mull Railway runs from Craignure to Torosay.

Features

Mull has a coastline of 300 miles (≈480 km). Its landscape is primarily moorland, with a few peaks, and its climate is moderated by the Gulf Stream. The highest peak on the island is Ben More (3169 ft / 966 metres).

The island is home to over 250 different bird species including the White-tailed Sea Eagle, which was reintroduced in the nearby Island of Rùm and migrated to Mull, where they now have a stronghold. Minke whales, porpoises and dolphins are among the sea life that can be seen on boat tours from Mull.

Mull has some historic features, such as the Duart Castle. There are also several shipwrecks around the shores which scuba divers can visit. The mausoleum of Lachlan Macquarie, Governor of New South Wales from 1809 to 1822 may be found on the island (Macquarie had been born on the nearby island of Ulva) and serves as a point of pilgrimage for the few Australians who venture there.

Tour of Mull

The Tour of Mull is a closed road rally event held on the island every October during the 2-week school holidays by the 2300 Club. Entrants are serious competitors in serious cars. While the 2300 Club members benefit from their superior cars, the locals benefit from their supreme knowledge of the roads and thus anyone can win. It has been called by many publications including Motoring News as "The Best Rally In The World". However, to many locals the event is a serious inconvenience and the illegal practising beforehand makes the roads extremely dangerous.

Previously sponsored by Philips, it has been sponsored since 2005 by Tunnock's, the biscuit manufacturer.

Movies and TV

Mull has featured in a number of movies over the years. These include Entrapment, Highlander: Endgame, Eye of the Needle, I Know Where I'm Going, Kidnapped (1971) and When Eight Bells Toll.

Just traveling to Mull may lead you through some movie scenes. For example, driving to Mull from the east (to the Lochaline to Fishnish ferry link) may lead you through some of the scenes featured in the Harry Potter movies.

The BBC children's TV series Balamory features Tobermory.

Simon King went on location to Mull for the first week of Springwatch with Bill Oddie, where he observed a resident family of White Tailed Sea Eagles – a male and female named Skye and Frisa respectively, and their two chicks, Itchy and Scratchy.

Gordan Buchanan returns to his native Mull to record a year in the life of the wildlife. First broadcast on BBC2 in October 2005 under the title of 'Eagle Island' the programme focuses on White Tailed Sea Eagles, Golden Eagles, Otters, Minke Whales, Porpoises, Basking Sharks and Dolphins to be found off Mull. The programme lasts 50 minutes.

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Aros Mains Testimonials

Fantastic break from the rat race. Excellent views and places to visit.
Cameron Family, West Linton

A wonderfully welcoming apartment, ideally situated from which to explore and enjoy Mull. The flowers and scones were much appreciated!

Wow, what a treat, cosy, hot water, flowers, flagstones, artworks on the walls!
Lynn, Edinburgh

Wonderful accommodation, great location and fantastic hosts! We will be back for more adventures.
DuBoyce, Quebec

Our sixth visit and again, a week isn't long enough...
Richard, Oxfordshire

Wonderful host, wonderful place, wonderful views - scones to die for!
Bob & Julie, Hampshire

We had such a lovely time here, thank you Maggie and absolutely loved your hens eggs!
Sorchin, Malaysia

The freshly baked scones were a very welcome treat on our return from the beach!
Sonia and family

Your kindness, hospitality and a wonderful location made for a perfectly wonderful holiday.
Mogers, Texas

Thank you so much for such a comfy warm and beautiful home to stay in.
Mick & Julie, Suffolk

Wonderful! The cut flowers and tasty scones were very thoughtful and much appreciated. We'll be back!
Paul and Liz. London

The apartment was wonderful. We truly loved the wine and scones and fresh flowers in the rooms were a lovely touch. We both felt that this was a great location for touring the north and the south of Mull.
Pete, Oxfordshire

Lovely apartment and wonderful week - watched an otter from the window (with binoculars!) and very playful seals.
Helena & Mike

A thoroughly enjoyable week on this beautiful island. The apartment is lovely and is very well positioned to explore. We particularly enjoyed cycling on the trails in the forests, climbing Ben More and the trip to the Treshnish Isles.
Bensons, Hope Valley

Lovely week in beautiful surroundings. The apartment is a perfect base to spend a holiday. Thank you for your kind hospitality.
Alton Family

This was a fantastic place for a family reunion! Maggie was a wonderful hostess, loved the scones and mackerel!
Black family, Bo'ness

Thanks for the extremely comfortable, warm and spacious accommodation. We have been completely at home.
Andrew, Cardiff

We have thoroughly enjoyed these lovely facilities and particularly appreciated the Wi-Fi! Thank you for the warm welcome and helping us have such a wonderful holiday.
Diane & Neil, Scarborough

Had a great time in this wonderful cottage, 5 star service. Surrounding area wonderful as well - kids loved it. Fishing and wildlife fantastic and plenty to see and do.

A Lovely cottage, a warm welcome and a great location! We've thoroughly enjoyed our first visit to Mull and hope to be back soon to see the puffins!
Emma, Edinburgh

Had a brilliant holiday on Mull. Cottage was fantastic, so clean and homely (best holiday home i have ever stayed in). Shells on beach of Aros Castle are the best the two girls have collected. Scones were superb and enjoyed them sitting out in the sun!!
Wicks family, Peebles

Cottage was lovely and comfy with great views and the chickens were always around to give us a warm welcome when we stepped outside.
Rose family, S Wales

It was so good to come home to a cosy and welcoming cottage at the end of an autumn day - it made our holiday a great success.
Jack & Izzy, Prestwick

Very well thought out and cosy cottage with lovely surroundings which our 4 year old son really appreciated! The cottage was a fantastic base from which to explore Mull with plenty to do nearby too.
Michael & Maria