Sculpted by if not born from fire in volcanic activity many millions of years ago, the Isle of Mull lies to the west of Oban across the Firth of Lorn. Its northern coast is separated by the Sound of Mull from the landmass of Ardnamurchan, the most westerly point of the UK mainland.

Mull’s confident mountain skyline is visible from the Sound of Jura to Ardnamurchan. Its rugged north west corner is particularly spectacular. The island is a massy triangle whose west side has been eaten into a huge bight peppered with islands. These include Ulva and Gometra, the bird sanctuaries of the Treshnish Islands and the famous basault island of Staffa with Fingal’s Cave and resident puffins.



The number of castles around the shores of the island testify to the power and defences of the local clans, their changing fortunes and shifting allegiances.

Off the Ross of Mull on the southwest corner lies the holy Isle of Iona with the abbey founded by St Columba. The universally respected John Smith, leader of the Labour Party and from Ardrishaig in Argyll, is buried there – a signal honour.