Isle of Mull

The Isle of Mull

The island of Mull is the second largest of the Inner Hebrides, and being home to just 3,000 people is one of the least densely populated Scottish islands, especially considering the fact that one third of these people live in the main town of Tobermory.

Mull is growing in reputation as one of the finest destinations for wildlife spotters, as it boast the highest density of breeding golden eagles in Europe, as well as being home to a healthy population of white tailed eagle – Scotland’s largest birds! These majestic animals were reintroduced to Mull in 1985, and since then they have continued to thrive.

Besides eagles, Mull is also renowned as a location to spot Otters, and also abounds in marine life such as cetaceans and basking sharks, as well as numerous seabirds.

Mull also boasts a long and fascinating human history, being the ancestral seat of Clan MacLean. A number of significant clan battles and events took place on or around Mull, including the Battle of Bloody Bay in 1480, and the signing of the Statues of Iona in 1609.

Iona & the Treshnish Isles

Mull has quite a number of other, smaller, island neighbours, and the best known of these is the Isle of Iona. Iona is famous as the site of an ancient abbey, established by St Columba in 563 AD. The abbey continues to be an important site of Christian pilgrimage to this day, and the island is regarded as one of the most spiritual places in Scotland.

Just north of Iona are the equally famous Treshnish Isles, which are famous due to their remoteness, their spectacular geology, and for being home to rare species of wildlife, especially the Puffin. Most famous of the Treshnish Isles is the island of Staffa, which is renowned for its spectacular hexagonal basalt columns, and the gigantic Fingal’s Cave, which lies open to the sea and can be entered either on foot or by boat.