Mull Tips from a Visitor

Ron — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:54:12 +0000

When I wrote the travel report about Mull a while back one of the readers sent me an email with some additional information. It’s always good to get some “inside information” and I have decided to publish vicky’s comments here on the blog: “Of the countless castles I’ve visited in Western Scotland, Torosay Castle rates the most visitor-friendly. No ribbons barring tourists from sitting in the parlor chairs and one vast room devoted to library tables piled with scrapbooks inviting you to delve into the life and history of the resident family. I could have spent an entire day looking at vintage photos and reading old newspaper clippings. And how cool is this(?): A hand-written sign at the bottom of the staircase said (as best I can recall), “These stairs lead to our living quarters. You won’t find us all that interesting but if you want, do come on up.” That was in 2005. I really hope it is still as wonderfully quirky and accessible.”

Duart Castle from the Mull Ferry

Vicky also mentioned something about fish and chips: “The best fish and chips in all of Scotland are served daily from a food caravan on the Tobermory Pier. to convince you have a look here. The site has an interesting article: “The Prince of Wales gave a fish-and-chip van the royal seal of approval as he paid a visit to Scotland yesterday.” They report that, “The Prince tasted fresh scallops from the Fisherman’s Pier chip van in Tobermory, Mull, and declared them “delicious”,” before adding that, “Owners Jeanette Gallagher and Jane MacLean were delighted to serve the royal visitor with some local produce.” According to Vicky The line starts forming a good half hour before they open. Bring your own napkins and plan to eat standing up unless you can find a curb or lobster pot to sit on.

Duart Castle Battle Re-Enactment

Ron — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:37:20 +0000

In 1647, the Isle of Mull was invaded by covenanting troops under Argyle with the intention to subdue the royalist Macleans led by Stuart A Campbell, but they were defeated and driven off by the Royalist troops of Clan MacLean. In the weekend of 8/9 August a battle re-enactment took place at Duart Castle and visitors were able to find out what happened in 17th century Scotland, walk round the soldier’s camp and meet the musketeers and pikemen that make up the army. The Dragoones recently paid their annual visit to the castle, where they set up camp in true 1640s style and showed visitors to the castle how soldiers of the day dressed, lived and fought. The video below, created by The Oban Times, shows some of the scenes of this battle re-enactment.

Southern Hebrides Blog » duart castle

Mull Tips from a Visitor

Duart Castle Battle Re-Enactment