A - Z of Mull (Part 2), Isle of Mull

Written by Hooked on Mull

Published on 27th April 2020

Continuing our celebration of the Isle of Mull, our second feature of ‘Mull in pictures’ includes letters F – J.

F – Fingal’s Cave

Staffa is an uninhabited Island which lies just 6 miles off the west coast of Mull. It was formed 60 million years ago by Atlantic Volcanic activity.

As the lava cooled it shaped the most spectacular basalt columns, which look more hand carved than naturally formed.

Perhaps one the best known of all caves, due its beauty and remarkable symmetry, Fingal’s Cave has been immortalised by Mendelssohn’s “Hebrides Overture” that he was inspired to compose when he visited Staffa in 1829.

G – Gold

Legend has it that the wreck of a Spanish galleon, laden with gold, lies somewhere at the bottom of Tobermory Bay!

Painting breaks, Knock House, Isle of Mull

H – Highland Cow

Did you know?…

1️⃣ The dominant colour of Highland Cow’s was originally black. The shift towards breeding the red coated coo’s occurred during the Victorian times, when rumour has it, Queen Victoria expressed her preference for the reds!

2️⃣ The Highland Cow is said to be the oldest cattle breed in the world! They originated in the Scottish Highlands and on the Western Isles of Scotland. But, they can now be found all over the globe.

3️⃣ Their ‘just-tumbled-out-of-bed’ hairstyle isn’t just for added cuteness – Their fluffy thick undercoats help them survive the harsh Scottish winters, and their longer hair helps keep the snow and rain at bay. Those long eyelashes protect their eyes from the hail, rain, wind and insects. And finally, their rather intimidating horns are used to rake the ground to find food in the snow.

I – Iona

A must-see when visiting the Isles, Iona has an otherworldly feeling of peace and tranquility.

The Island is highly regarded as one of Scotlands most sacred religious sites. Widely respected as the birthplace of Christianity, the history of Iona is a fascinating story fused with both fact and legend.

Iona is also unmissable for its incredible beauty, with numerous white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, it’s the perfect spot for a paddle and a picnic on the beach.

Find out more about the secrets of Iona here.

J – Journey by sea

There is nothing quite as inspiring & magical than discovering Mull’s coastline by boat.

Benmore Lady, our 46ft Botnia Targa motor launch can take you to the places on Mull untouched by the tourist trail, for a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in some of Scotland’s most dramatic scenery.

Journey to uninhabited islands, such as Staffa, where puffin colonies, dolphins and sea eagles roam freely. Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Treshnish Isles, Ulva and Iona.

Of course, there’s always an opportunity to stop off, stretch your sea legs and enjoy some beach fun and a BBQ on a remote & secluded beach too!