Island of the Week: Isle of Mull

Location: Inner Hebrides, North West Scotland.

Population: 2,667

Gaelic Name: Muile

History

Part of the Inner Hebrides, evidence on Mull points to being inhabited during the bronze age, with more fort-like structures appearing during the Iron Age.

The ownership of the island has varied, with the Clan MacLean and Clan Campbell both taking turns to hold the area.

During the Highland Clearances, the population was decimated, going from around 10,000 to less than 3,000.

Mull has also played a crucial part in the defence of the British Isles. During World War 2, Tobermoray Bay was made into a Naval base and the entire island was declared a restricted zone. The base specialised in training British forces in anti-submarine warfare.

These days the island relies heavily on tourism to support the local economy, but also of crucial importance is the herring fishing industry.

Attractions

Fans of outdoor pursuits can enjoy a day of cycling, fishing, hiking, or just taking in the sights.

Many of the ancient castles and chapels make for an interesting glimpse into history. Duart Castle is a popular attraction; the ancestral home of the Clan Maclean overlooks the Sound of Mull.

Mull has a number of standing stones, and several stone circles; thought to have been made between 5000 and 2000BC.

And of course, for whisky enthusiasts there’s always Tobermory distillery - the oldest commercial whisky distillery in Scotland.

How to get there

There are regular ferries to Mull run by Caledonian Macbrayne. Full information can be found here http://www.calmac.co.uk/destinations/mull.htm