Museums
Galleries
Visitor Attractions
Visitor Information - Mull and Oban
History and Heritage
Castles
Activities
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Museums
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Visitor Attractions Visitor Information - Mull and ObanHistory and Heritage |
Castles
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Out and About: |
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Oban is a large bustling town on the west coast and a major ferry terminal for many of the islands. On a hill overlooking the town is McCaig's tower, looking very much like a smaller version of Rome's Coliseum. Loch Awe is one of the largest inland lochs, while Loch Etive is a sea loch whose waters ebb and flow through the narrow Falls of Lora providing a spectacular sight in the process. Offshore are a number of islands; some better-known than others. The largest is Mull. Off the coast of Mull is the very special Isle of Iona. Further west are Coll and Tiree who claim a sunshine record as good as any in the UK. Tiree's beaches are a mecca for windsurfers. Smaller, but no less interesting islands are dotted around the Firth of Lorn: Lismore, Kerrera, Seil, Scarba and Luing, to mention a few. Seil is linked to the mainland by the stylish and elegant Atlantic Bridge, but access to others is by ferry.
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Historic Buildings and Castles: |
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Dunstaffanage Castle Near Connel. The 13th century castle once harboured the Stone of Destiny |
Near Craignure, Isle of Mull. Completed in 1858, the castle and gardens are open to the public. |
Duart Castle Guards the Firth of Lorn. Both Torosay Castle and Duart Castle can be reached using the Mull Railway to get from the ferry termianl at Craignure to Torosay and then taking the footpath to Duart Castle. |
Iona Abbey
Birthplace of Christianity in Scotland, founded by St Columba. |
Museums and Galleries: |
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Old Byre Heritage Centre Near Dervaig, Isle of Mull. Explore the island's ancient heritge. |
Columba Centre Discover more about St Columba at this visitor centre. |
The Heritage Centre is located in the village of Ellenabeich in a former slate quarrier's cottage. The Easdale Island Folk Museum is also part of the slate quarrying heritage of the area. |
Kilmartin House is a world-class centre for archaeology and landscape interpretation which combines a Museum of Ancient Culture and a unique and vibrant visitor centre including intense audio-visual experience "The Valley of Ghosts". |
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Ross of Mull Historical Centre The centre is situated in the village of Bunessan next to the village hall. It is a small unit housed inside a portacabin, but don't underestimate its importance by its accommodation. The people who run and man this facility are experts in local history. |
Tobermory. An Tobar is the arts centre for the Scottish islands of Mull and Iona. We offer a full programme and facilties from March to December, including live music events, gallery exhibitions, cafe, shop and community activities. |
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Parks and Gardens: |
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Near Oban. The park covers thirty-five acres and is part of a working livestock farm. |
Arduaine Gardens
Stunning coastal scenery around Loch Melfort provides the backdrop for these NTS gardens. |
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Visitor Attractions: |
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Ben Cruachan, near Dalmally. Hydro-electric power station built inside the mountain. Visitor centre and tours are available. |
Seil Island
Cross the elegant arched Atlantic Bridge to visit the picturesque village of Ellenabeich on Seil Island. |
Fingal's Cave
Take a boat trip to Staffa and marvel at Fingal's Cave. |
Luing Take the short ferry across Cuan Sound to the Island of Luing. In the churchyard you will see testament to one who tried to carve his own epitaph before he died... but who clearly ran out of space... |
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Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust
The Trust's Discovery Centre in Tobermory receives thousands of visitors each year. |
Seven miles NE of Oban, by Loch Etive. The gardens are set around the remains of a 13th century priory. |
Near Taynuilt. A fine example of a charcoal-fuelled iron furnace. Interpretive displays. |
Mull Railway
This is Scotland's original and only island passenger railway. |
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Quality handthrown/built ceramics made on site. View potters at their craft. Relax in the cafe, or browse the Gallery, which features leading Scottish craftspeople. |
Scottish Sealife and Marine Sanctuary
The Scottish Sealife Sanctuary is set amidst the pine trees on the shores of picturesque Loch Creran, near Oban. |
Dervaig, Isle of Mull. Acclaimed professional theatre. Tremendously varied programme from one of the oldest touring theatre companies in Scotland; it is the only company in the area to have its own venue. |
Torosay. Birds of Prey centre set in outstanding scenery. Aviaries housing hawks, falcons, kites, vultures, eagle and owls. Regular flying displays with trained birds. Indoor visitor centre. |
Shopping & Eating Out: |
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Tobermory. Old-fashioned ironmongers shop, Camping Gaz and leisure supplies, batteries for watches and cameras, mountain bike hire, fishing permits, also fine wines and malt whisky specialist. |
Tobermory. Taste the award-winning Traditional Farmhouse Cheese and enjoy lunch or a cream tea in the spectacular "glass barn". There's also a farm shop. |
Isle of Mull Silver & Goldsmiths
A huge selection of silver and gold jewellery. Silver quaichs bearing the Edinburgh Hallmark. Christening spoons, mirrors and candle holders. |
MacGochans, beside Tobermory's picturesque harbour. Enjoy live music, friendly staff and atmosphere seven days a week, till late. Extensive menu, children's menu and barbecue. |
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Salen, Isle of Mull. Restaurant open for teas, coffees and snacks during the day and also early evening meals. |
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Tours: |
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Cruising
Northern Light Charters. Explore Scotland's NW coast - Oban to St Kilda. Choice of cruise vessels. All boats depart Oban. Naturalist guides. |
Activity Holidays Shieling Holidays, Craignure, Isle of Mull. Canoeing, sailing, abseiling, archery and painting. |
Cruising Gordon Grant Marine, Iona. Tours to Iona depart from Oban to Staffa to visit Fingal's Cave on fast modern ferries. Connect with these tours at Fionnphort or Iona. |
Cruising
Staffa Boat Trips, Iona. |
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Expeditions Island Encounter Wildlife Safaris. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and fantastic wildlife with a guide of nine years experience conducting wildlife safaris on the Isle of Mull. |
Cruising
Sea.Fari operate boat trips to Slate Island, the Garvellachs and the Gulf of Corrievreckan, among others. |
Expeditions Landrover Wildlife Expeditions have blazed the trail in wildlife watching for over 20 years and others have followed our lead throughout Scotland. You are lead on the day by the island's leading Ornithologist, David Woodhouse. |
Expeditions Turus Mara"Expeditions with a traditional flavour and a hint of adventure" are run daily from Mull and Oban by Turus Mara. |
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Cruising
Argyll Sundowner. Do you want to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the West Coast of Scotland from the best possible vantage point? Argyll Sundowner is a luxurious flybridge cruiser which will cross oceans with ease, taking you from Oban to idyllic island destinations such as Colonsay and Iona in total safety and comfort. |
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Car Hire: |
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Flit Self Drive Oban
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