Mull Historical and Archaeological Society

Almost unchanged in two hundred years

Extract from the 1791 Chart by Joseph Huddart for the British Fisheries Society:

'Imagine an island, beautiful and comparatively unspoilt; large enough to take weeks, if not months to explore fully, yet small enough to become familiar and friendly; modern and thriving in outlook yet retaining echoes of the past..'

As the anthem of Mull, "An t'eilean Muileach", puts it:

'The Isle of Mull is of isles the fairest,
Of ocean's gems 'tis the first and rarest;
Green grassy island of sparkling fountains,
Of waving woods and high tow'ring mountains."

A wide diversity of scenery

Its hills, mountains and moorlands are offset by rich growth, deciduous woods and sheltered lochs; its heavily indented coastline boasts rocky cliffs, quiet bays and extensive white sandy beaches; there are sea and freshwater lochs..

An equally varied history

The history of Mull is as varied as its scenery. There are signs of prehistoric peoples, Celts and Norse; there are standing stones, duns, brochs and castles.

From the days of St. Columba through the coming of the Clans to the present day, the island is steeped in history. Over the years many famous people have landed, explored and left their accounts for us to read and re-trace their steps.

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Famous visitors to Mull and its Islands

From Dr. Johnstone to Kate Humble, Mull has welcomed and been home to an eclectic range of characters. Dr. Johnstone and his travelling companion, James Boswell, toured here in 1773 leaving us a clear and honest view of what they found.

In 1810 Sir Lachlan Macquarie, born on Ulva in 1761, became the first Governor of Australia and was latterley known as the 'Father of Australia'. Robert Louis Stephenson wrote 'Kidnapped', partly set on the tiny island of Erraid just off the coast near Fionnphort. RLS spent time on Erraid helping his father build Dubh Artach lighthouse, off SW Mull. The missionary David Livingstone's family came from Ulva.

These and many more famous, notorious and interesting people found Mull, Iona, Ulva and Staffa fascinating and enchanting. It can be the same for you.

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