View source for Isle of Mull

{{short description|Island off the coast of Scotland}}
{{for|the ship|MV Isle of Mull}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2014}}
{{Infobox Scottish island
|Image=File:Tobermory waterfront.jpg
|ImageCaption=Tobermory waterfront
|location_map=Scotland Argyll and Bute
|coordinates = {{coord|56.45|-6|display=inline}}
|caption=Mull shown within Argyll and Bute
|GridReference=NM590354
|celtic name=Muile
|gaelic pronunciation={{IPA|gd|ˈmulə||Muile.ogg}}
|scots name= 
|norse name=Myl
|meaning of name= "Promontory" (crag, projecting ridge between two valleys)
|area= {{convert|875.35|km2|sqmi|frac=16|abbr=on}}
|area rank=4
|highest elevation= [[Ben More (Mull)|Ben More]], {{cvt|966|m|ft}}
|Population=3,063<ref name=RESAS/>
|population rank=8
|population density = {{convert|3.5|PD/km2|abbr=on}}<ref name=RESAS>{{RESAS}}</ref><ref name=Smith/>
|main settlement=[[Tobermory, Mull|Tobermory]]
|island group=Mull
|local authority=[[Argyll and Bute]]
|references=<ref name=Smith>{{Haswell-Smith|87-96}}</ref><ref name=OS>{{Ordnance Survey}}</ref><ref>Anderson, Joseph (Ed.) (1893) ''Orkneyinga Saga''. Translated by Jón A. Hjaltalin & Gilbert Goudie. Edinburgh. James Thin and Mercat Press (1990 reprint). {{ISBN|0-901824-25-9}}</ref>
}}

The '''Isle of Mull'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://data.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/doc/50kGazetteer/126314|title=Isle of Mull|publisher=[[Ordnance Survey]]|access-date=7 February 2019}}</ref> or simply '''Mull'''<ref name=Smith/><ref>[[W.H. Murray|Murray, W.H.]] (1966) ''The Hebrides''. London. Heinemann. pp. 96-112.</ref> ({{langx|gd|Muile}} {{IPA|gd|ˈmulə||Muile.ogg}})<ref>{{cite web|title=Mull|publisher=Ainmean-Àite na h-Alba|access-date=12 September 2024|url=https://www.ainmean-aite.scot/?id=39638}}</ref> is the second-largest island of the [[Inner Hebrides]] (after [[Skye]]) and lies off the west coast of [[Scotland]] in the [[Council areas of Scotland|council area]] of [[Argyll and Bute]].

Covering {{convert|875.35|km2|sqmi}}, Mull is the fourth-largest island in Scotland. Between 2011 and 2022 the population  increased from 2,800 to 3,063.<ref>[https://www.wingsmagazine.com/wingcopter-drone-delivering-covid-19-test-kits-to-isle-of-mull/ Wingcopter drone delivering COVID-19 test kits to Isle of Mull]</ref><ref name="NRS" /><ref name=RESAS/> It has the eighth largest island population in Scotland. In the summer, these numbers are augmented by an influx of many tourists. Much of the year-round population lives in the colourful main settlement of [[Tobermory, Mull|Tobermory]].

There are two distilleries on the island: the [[Tobermory distillery]], formerly named Ledaig, produces [[single malt Scotch whisky]]<ref>Tobermory Distillery [http://www.tobermory.co.uk/distillery/tobermory_whisky.htm tobermory.co.uk] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515214631/http://www.tobermory.co.uk/distillery/tobermory_whisky.htm |date=15 May 2011 }} Retrieved 10 July 2010.</ref> and another, opened in 2019 and located in the vicinity of [[Tiroran]], which produces Whitetail Gin. Mull is host to numerous sports competitions, notably the [[Highland Games]] competition, held annually in July. The isle is home to four castles, including the towering castle of [[Duart Castle|Duart]] and the keep of [[Moy Castle]]. On the south coast, a stone circle is located in the settlement of [[Lochbuie, Mull|Lochbuie]].

==Geography==
{{Further|Geology of the Isle of Mull}}

[[File:Ordnance Survey 1-250000 - NM.jpg|thumb|[[Ordnance Survey]] map of Mull and surrounding area]]
Mull has a coastline of {{convert|480|km|mi|abbr=on}}, and its climate is moderated by the [[Gulf Stream]]. The island has a mountainous core; the highest peak on the island is [[Ben More (Mull)|Ben More]], which reaches {{convert|966|m|ft|abbr=on}}. Various peninsulas, which are predominantly [[moorland]], radiate from the centre.

The Aros peninsula to the north includes the main town of [[Tobermory, Mull|Tobermory]], which was a [[burgh]] until 1973 (when burghs were abolished). Other settlements include [[Salen, Mull|Salen]], [[Dervaig]] and [[Calgary, Mull|Calgary]]. The [[Ross of Mull]] lies to the southwest and includes the villages of [[Bunessan]], [[Pennyghael]], [[Uisken]], and [[Fionnphort]]. To the east lie [[Lochbuie, Mull|Lochbuie]], Lochdon, and [[Craignure, Mull|Craignure]].

[[File:Mid 18th century map of Mull.JPG|thumb|left|Mid-18th-century map of Mull]]
Numerous islands lie off the west coast of Mull, including [[Erraid]], [[Inch Kenneth]], [[Iona]], [[Gometra]], and [[Ulva]]. Smaller uninhabited islands include [[Eorsa]], [[Little Colonsay]], the [[Treshnish Isles]], and [[Staffa]] (of [[Fingal's Cave]] fame). [[Calve Island]] is an uninhabited island in Tobermory Bay. Two outlying rock [[lighthouse]]s are also visible from the southwest of Mull: [[Dubh Artach]] and [[Skerryvore]].

The [[Torran Rocks]] are a large shoal of reefs, islets, and skerries, approximately {{convert|15|sqmi|km2|abbr=off}} in extent, {{convert|2|mi|0|abbr=off}} to the southwest, between the Ross of Mull peninsula and Dubh Artach. [[Frank Lockwood's Island]] near [[Lochbuie, Mull|Lochbuie]] is named after [[Frank Lockwood (politician)|Frank Lockwood]], the brother-in-law of the 21st [[Macleans of Lochbuie|MacLean of Lochbuie]] and [[Solicitor General for England and Wales|Solicitor General]] from 1894 to 1895.<ref>Baird (1995) p. 142</ref>

Part of the indented west coast of Mull, and some of the offshore islands there, are part of the [[Loch Na Keal]] [[National Scenic Area (Scotland)|National Scenic Area]].<ref>[http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/protected-areas/national-designations/nsa/ "National Scenic Areas"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170311014235/http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/protected-areas/national-designations/nsa/ |date=11 March 2017 }}. SNH. Retrieved 30 March 2011.</ref>

=== Settlements ===
Places classified as settlements<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geograph.org.uk/search.php|title=Search|publisher=[[Geograph Britain and Ireland]]|access-date=3 September 2021}} put the 1st part of the name into the "near" box</ref> by the Ordnance Survey include:
{{columns-list|colwidth=10em|
* [[Achleck]]
* [[Achnahard]]
* [[Ardalanish]]
* [[Ardtun]]
* [[Aridhglas]]
* [[Ballygown]]
* [[Balnahard]]
* [[Bunessan]]
* [[Calgary, Mull|Calgary]]
* [[Carsaig]]
* [[Craignure]]
* [[Creich, Mull|Creich]]
* [[Croggan]]
* [[Dervaig]]
* [[Fanmore]]
* [[Fionnphort]]
* [[Gruline]]
* [[Java, Mull|Java]]
* [[Kilninian]]
* [[Kintra]]
* [[Knockan]]
* [[Ledaig]]
* [[Lee, Mull|Lee]]
* [[Lochbuie, Mull|Lochbuie]]
* [[Lochdon]]
* [[Lower Ardtun]]
* [[Pennyghael]]
* [[Salen, Mull|Salen]]
* [[Strathcoil]]
* [[Strongarbh]]
* [[Tobermory, Mull|Tobermory]]
* [[Uisken]]
}}

==History==
===Early history===
[[File:Stone Circle at Lochbuie - geograph.org.uk - 394251.jpg|thumb|left|The stone circle at [[Lochbuie, Mull|Loch Buie]]]]
The Isle of Mull has probably been inhabited since shortly after the end of the [[Last glacial period|last Ice Age]], around 11,000 years ago. This is evidenced by radiocarbon dating done in a [[Mesolithic]] hut at Crieth Dubh on the northwest coast of the island.<ref>Mithen, S., Wicks, K., Berg-Hansen, I.M. 2020 The Mesolithic coastal exploitation of western Scotland: The impacts of climate change and use of favoured locations. In: Schülke, A. (ed) Coastal Landscapes of the Mesolithic. Abingdon: Routledge</ref> Later, [[Bronze Age]] and [[Iron Age]] inhabitants built [[broch]]s at Dun Nan Gall<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://canmore.org.uk/site/22058/dun-nan-gall-mull | title=Dun Nan Gall, Mull &#124; Canmore}}</ref> and An Sean Chaisteal,<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://canmore.org.uk/site/22259/an-sean-chaisteal-ardnacross-mull |title = An Sean Chaisteal, Ardnacross, Mull &#124; Canmore}}</ref> and a [[stone circle]] at Lochbuie<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://canmore.org.uk/site/22385/mull-lochbuie |title = Mull, Lochbuie &#124; Canmore}}</ref> along with numerous burial cairns.<ref>Fisher, P., Farrelly, C. (1997), p.585</ref> Two [[crannogs]] there have been dated to the Iron Age.<ref>Holley, M.W., Ralston, I.B.M. 1995. Radiocarbon dates for two crannogs on the Isle of Mull, Strathclyde Region, Scotland. Antiquity 69(264), 595–596</ref>

In the 6th century AD, Irish migrants invaded Mull and the surrounding coast and established the [[Gaels|Gaelic]] kingdom of [[Dál Riata]]. The kingdom was divided into a number of regions, each controlled by a different kinship group. One of these, the [[Cenél Loairn]], controlled Mull and the adjacent mainland to the east.

Dál Riata was a springboard for the Christianisation of the mainland; the pivotal point was in AD 563, when [[Columba]], an Irish missionary, arrived on the island of [[Iona]] – just off the southwest point of Mull – and founded a monastery there from which to start evangelising the local population.<ref>
*{{cite book|author=Susan Crane|title=Animal Encounters: Contacts and Concepts in Medieval Britain|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LLHomhe_fMUC&pg=PA11|date=29 November 2012|publisher=University of Pennsylvania Press|isbn=978-0-8122-0630-2|page=11}}
*{{cite book|author=Nicholas Ostler|title=Passwords to Paradise: How Languages Have Re-invented World Religions|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=p6y4CgAAQBAJ&pg=PT192|date=23 February 2016|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing|isbn=978-1-62040-517-8|page=192}}
*{{cite book|author=Norbert Brockman|title=Encyclopedia of Sacred Places|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JkSk4euA-TEC&pg=PA238|date=13 September 2011|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1-59884-654-6|page=238}}</ref>
{{clear left}}

===Norse period===
{{Unreferenced section|date=August 2017}}
In the 9th century, Viking invasions led to the destruction of Dál Riata and its replacement by the [[Norsemen|Norse]] [[Kingdom of the Isles]], which became [[Scandinavian Scotland|part of the kingdom of Norway]] following Norwegian unification around 872. The Kingdom of the Isles was much more extensive than Dál Riata, encompassing also the [[Outer Hebrides]] and [[Skye]]. The island kingdom became known as the ''Suðreyjar'', meaning ''southern isles'' in Old Norse. The former lands of Dál Riata acquired the geographic description "Argyle" (now "Argyll"): the ''Gaelic coast''.

In the late 11th century, [[Magnus Barefoot]], the Norwegian king, launched a military campaign which in 1098 led [[Edgar of Scotland|the king of Scotland]] to [[quitclaim]] to Magnus all claim of sovereign authority over the territory of the Kingdom of the Isles.<ref>Ó Corráin, D. 2008. The Vikings and Ireland. In Brink, S. (ed) The Viking World. Abingdon: Routledge.</ref> However, a coup some 60 years later, led by a [[Norse-Gael]] named [[Somerled]], detached the whole of the Suðreyjar from Norway and transformed it into an independent kingdom. After Somerled's death in 1164, nominal Norwegian authority was established, but practical control of the realm was divided between Somerled's sons and the heirs of Somerled's brother-in-law, the [[Crovan dynasty]]. His son [[Dubgall mac Somairle|Dougall]] received the former territory of the Cenél Loairn, now known as [[Lorne, Scotland|Lorn]], of which Mull formed part.<ref>Sellar, W., Hamilton, D. 2000. Hebridean sea kings: The successors of Somerled, 1164–1316. In Cowan, E.J., McDonald, R.A. (eds.) Alba: Celtic Scotland in the middle ages. Tuckwell Press.</ref>

[[File:Aros Castle - exterior.jpg|thumb|Aros Castle]]
Meanwhile, the Crovan dynasty had retained the title "king of the Isles" and control of [[Isle of Lewis|Lewis]], [[Harris, Scotland|Harris]], and the [[Isle of Man]]. After a few decades, they acknowledged the English kings as their overlords, so Dougall's heirs (the [[Clan MacDougall|MacDougalls]]) complained to [[Haakon IV of Norway|Haakon]], the Norwegian king, and in 1237 were rewarded by the kingship being split; rule of the Hebrides was transferred to the MacDougall line, and they were made the "kings of the Hebrides". They established the twin castles of [[Aros Castle|Aros]] (in Mull) and [[Ardtornish Castle|Ardtornish]] (on the mainland, opposite), which together controlled the [[Sound of Mull]].

Throughout the early 13th century, the king of Scots, [[Alexander II of Scotland|Alexander II]], had aggressively tried to expand his realm into the Suðreyjar, despite Edgar's earlier quitclaim. This led to hostility between Norway and Scotland, which continued under [[Alexander III of Scotland|Alexander III]]. King [[Haakon IV of Norway]] died shortly after the indecisive [[Battle of Largs]]. In 1266, his more peaceable successor ceded his nominal authority over the Suðreyjar to Alexander III by the [[Treaty of Perth]] in return for a very large sum of money. Alexander generally acknowledged the semi-independent authority of Somerled's heirs; the former Suðreyjar had become Scottish crown dependencies rather than parts of Scotland.

===Lords of the Isles===
{{Unreferenced section|date=August 2017}}
At the end of the 13th century, a violent dispute arose over the Scottish kingship between King [[John Balliol]] and [[Robert I of Scotland|Robert de Bruys]]. By then, Somerled's descendants had formed into three families: as well as Dougall's heirs (the MacDougalls), there were also the heirs of his nephew [[Domhnall mac Raghnaill|Donald]] (the [[Clan Donald|MacDonalds]]) and those of [[Ruaidhrí mac Raghnaill|Donald's brother]] (the [[Clann Ruaidhrí|MacRory or MacRuairi]]); the MacDougalls backed Balliol, while the MacDonalds and MacRory backed de Bruys. When Robert I defeated his Scots enemies, including the Comyns and MacDougalls, he declared their lands forfeit, dividing them between his friend, Angus Og Macdonald, Lord of the Isles, and Christina MacRory, King Robert's kinswoman. The latter acquired Lorn and some of the smaller Isles, but Angus Og, who fought beside King Robert at Bannockburn, was given the lion's share: The Isles of Islay, Jura, Gigha, Colonsay and Mull, and the mainland territories of Duror, Glencoe, Ardnamurchan, Lochaber, Morvern and Kintyre. After Bannockburn, Alexander Macdonald, Angus Og's eldest son, then still alive, was granted Mull and Tiree. Angus Og's younger son [[John of Islay]], became Lord of the Isles after his father's and his elder brother's deaths. He first married [[Amy MacRuairi of Garmoran]], the heiress of the MacRory family, thereby consolidating the remains of Somerled's realm.

In 1354, though in exile and without control of his ancestral lands, [[John Gallda MacDougall|John, the MacDougall heir]], quitclaimed any rights he had over Mull to the Lord of the Isles. When Robert's son [[David II, King of Scotland|David II]] became king, he spent some time in English captivity; after his release, in 1357, he restored MacDougall authority over Lorn, effectively cancelling Robert's grant to the MacRory. The 1354 quitclaim, which seems to have been an attempt to ensure peace in just such an eventuality, took automatic effect, splitting Mull from Lorn and making it subject to the Lordship of the Isles.

[[File:Ardtornish Castle and the Sound of Mull.jpg|thumb|right|Ardtornish Castle]]
In 1437, the Lordship was substantially expanded when [[Alexander of Islay, Earl of Ross|Alexander, the Lord of the Isles]], inherited the rule of [[Ross, Scotland|Ross]] maternally. The expansion led the MacDonalds to move their centre of power from [[Islay]] to the twin castles of Aros and Ardtornish.

In 1462, the most ambitious of the Lords of the Isles, [[John of Islay, Earl of Ross|John MacDonald]], [[Treaty of Ardtornish-Westminster|struck an alliance]] with [[Edward IV of England]] to conquer Scotland. [[Wars of the Roses|Civil war in England]] prevented this from taking effect and from being discovered until 1475, when the English court voluntarily revealed its existence. Calls for forfeiture of the Lordship naturally followed, but they were calmed when John quitclaimed most of his mainland territories. However, John's nephew launched a severe [[raid on Ross]], but it ultimately failed. Within two years of the raid, in 1493, [[James IV of Scotland]] declared the Lordship of the Isles forfeit, transforming the realm into an intrinsic part of Scotland rather than a dependency.

===MacLeans===
[[File:Duart-Castle.jpg|thumb|[[Duart Castle]] on the Isle of Mull probably dates back to the 13th century.  It has been used in various movies/television productions, including the movie ''[[Entrapment (film)|Entrapment]]'' starring [[Sean Connery]], who is a member of [[Clan Maclean]].]]
Throughout this time, the descendants of the Cenél Loairn retained their identity; they were now the [[Clan MacLean|MacLeans]]. Now that John MacDonald was exiled, James IV restored the authority of the MacLeans over Mull. An earlier chief of the MacLeans had married the daughter of the first Lord of the Isles and received [[Duart Castle]] as the dowry; this now became the stronghold of MacLean control of Mull. The cadet branch of the family constructed [[Moy Castle|a tower house at Moy]] on the southern side of Mull, while the senior branch retained Duart Castle.

Legend has it that the wreck of a Spanish galleon, laden with gold, lies somewhere in the mud at the bottom of Tobermory Bay. By some accounts, the ''Florencia'' (or ''Florida'' or ''San Francisco''), a ship of the defeated [[Spanish Armada]] fleeing the English fleet in 1588, anchored in Tobermory to take on provisions. After a dispute over payment, the ship caught fire and the gunpowder magazine exploded, sinking the vessel. In her hold, reputedly, was £300,000 in [[gold bullion]].<ref>A Clan Feud, a Spanish Galleon, and a Big Bang. [https://lostfort.blogspot.com/2010/02/clan-feud-spanish-galleon-and-big-bang.html lostfort.blogspot.com] Retrieved 10 July 2010.</ref> Other sources claim the vessel was the ''San Juan de Sicilia'' (or ''San Juan de Baptista''), which carried troops, not treasure.<ref>
*The Galleon San Francisco. [https://web.archive.org/web/20110724063137/http://shipmodeling.net/vb_forum/thread1722-Galleon-San-Francisco-information-.html shipmodeling.net] Retrieved 10 July 2010.
*The Tobermory Wreck. [http://news.scotsman.com/iainlundy/The-Tobermory-wreck-that-promises.2765124.jp news.scotsman.com] Retrieved 2010-07-10.</ref> According to that account, the island's chief, [[Sir Lachlan Mor Maclean|Lachlan Mor Maclean]], struck a deal with the Spanish commander to re-provision and refit the ship in return for military intervention on the side of the MacLeans in their feud with enemies on nearby islands.<ref>
*{{citation |title=The Spanish Armada |last1=Martin |first1=Colin |last2=Parker |first2=Geoffrey |publisher=W. W. Norton & Company |location=New York |year=1988 |isbn=978-0-393-02607-8 |page=[https://archive.org/details/spanisharmada00mart/page/244 244] |url=https://archive.org/details/spanisharmada00mart/page/244 }}
*{{Citation |last=Campbell of Airds |first=Alastair |author-link=Alastair Campbell of Airds |title=A History of Clan Campbell; Volume 2; From Flodden to the Restoration |publisher=[[Edinburgh University Press]] |location=[[Edinburgh]] |year=2002 |isbn=978-1-902930-18-3 |page=95 }}
*{{citation | title=The Spanish Armada | last1=Lewis |first1=Michael |publisher=B. T. Batsford Ltd |location=London |year=1960 }}</ref> There have been numerous searches for the wreck and its rumoured treasure from the mid-17th century to the end of the 20th century.<ref>{{citation |title=Full Fathom Five: Wrecks of the Spanish Armada |last1=Martin |first1=Colin |publisher=The Viking Press |location=New York |year=1975 |isbn=978-0-670-33193-2 |page=[https://archive.org/details/fullfathomfivewr00mart/page/58 58] |url=https://archive.org/details/fullfathomfivewr00mart/page/58 }}</ref> No significant treasure has been recovered in Tobermory Bay.<ref>Tobermory Bay. [http://www.reese.org/duneroller/content/treasure/buried_treasure/tobermory_bay.htm reese.org] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721114950/http://www.reese.org/duneroller/content/treasure/buried_treasure/tobermory_bay.htm |date=21 July 2011 }} Retrieved 10 July 2010.</ref>

[[File:Moy Castle on Mull - geograph.org.uk - 33674.jpg|thumb|left|Moy Castle, a tower house of the MacLeans]]
Following the [[Scottish Reformation]], the MacLeans became supporters of Protestantism. By the mid-17th century, they had become promoters of [[Conventicle#Scotland|conventicles]], opposed to king [[Charles II of England|Charles II]]'s [[Rescissory Act 1661|repudiation]] of the [[Solemn League and Covenant#Charles II (Third Civil War)|Solemn League and Covenant]] and supporting acts of [[civil disobedience]]. Though personally opposed to persecution of such people, [[Archibald Campbell, 9th Earl of Argyll]], was specifically ordered by the Scottish [[privy council]] to suppress conventicles within his lands, which included Lorn. The atmosphere of hostility soon spread to Mull, where opponents of the conventicles felt emboldened, leading to outbreaks of violence between the two religious factions.

In 1678, Campbell was specifically instructed to seize Mull and suppress both the violence and conventicles. It took Clan Campbell until 1681 to gain possession of the whole island.<ref name="Isles of Mull and Iona">[https://www.scotlandinfo.eu/mull-and-iona/#:~:text=History%20of%20Mull,1681%20by%20the%20clan%20Campbell Isles of Mull and Iona]</ref> Campbell took charge of Duart Castle and ejected the MacLean leadership from Mull; they moved to [[Cairnburgh Castle]] in the Treshnish Islands off the north-west of Mull. Campbell's own position was somewhat undermined when he instigated [[Argyll's Rising]] against the reign of [[James II of England|James VII]]. The loyalty of subsequent Campbell leaders ensured the Campbells retained possession of Duart (it was only after the Campbells sold it, and it had spent a century under other owners, that the MacLeans were able to recover it by purchase). Under Campbell pressure, [[sheriffdom|shrieval]] authority was established under the [[Argyllshire|sheriff of Argyll]], which they controlled.
{{clear left}}

===Later history===

Following [[Jacobitism|Jacobite]] insurrections, the [[Heritable Jurisdictions (Scotland) Act 1746|Heritable Jurisdictions Act]] abolished [[regality|comital authority]] in Mull and Campbell control of the Argyll sheriffdom; the Campbells could now only assert influence as landlords. Many castles that had been in the hands of the MacLeans (such as Moy) had been [[slighting|slighted]] by the Campbells or fallen into disrepair, but more comfortable homes were built nearby.

During the 18th century, the island was home to a Gaelic [[Bard]], whom Father Charles MacDonald describes only as "The Mull Satirist." The Satirist is said to have been a vocal enemy of the Jacobite Bard [[Alasdair Mac Mhaighstir Alasdair]] and to have attacked the latter in many poems that have survived. When the Jacobite poet converted from the [[Calvinist]] [[Church of Scotland]] to the [[Roman Catholic Church]], the Mull Satirist accused him of doing so, not out of serious conviction, but to curry favour with the exiled [[House of Stuart]].<ref>MacDonald (2011), ''Moidart: Among the Clanranalds'', page 132.</ref>

[[File:Torosay Castle - geograph.org.uk - 1529230.jpg|thumb|"''Torosay Castle''", completed in 1858]]
In 1773 the island was visited by [[Samuel Johnson]] and [[James Boswell]] during their tour of the Western Islands. Farming, fishing, and burning seaweed for [[kelp]] ash (used in the manufacture of soap and glass) were the main economic activities on the island until the 19th century. [[Tobermory, Mull|Tobermory]] was built by the [[British Fisheries Society]] in 1788 as a planned settlement to support the fishing industry.<ref>[https://www.isle-of-mull.net/attractions/history/history-of-mull/ History of Mull]</ref>

The [[Highland Clearances]] in the 18th and 19th centuries resulted in people being evicted to make space for sheep; and the [[Highland Potato Famine]] (1846–1847) encouraged mass emigration. These factors caused the population to decline from 10,000 to less than 4,000 and then to 3,000 by the 20th century; this had a serious impact on the economy.<ref name="Isles of Mull and Iona"/><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.obantimes.co.uk/2018/11/02/isle-of-mull-mull-and-iona-maps-2018/#:~:text=Although%20the%20island%20coastline%20covers,for%20nearly%201%2C000%20of%20those. |title=Isle of Mull & Mull and Iona Maps 2019 |access-date=19 February 2021 |archive-date=22 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122184641/https://www.obantimes.co.uk/2018/11/02/isle-of-mull-mull-and-iona-maps-2018/#:~:text=Although%20the%20island%20coastline%20covers,for%20nearly%201%2C000%20of%20those. |url-status=dead }}</ref> Despite this, several grand houses were built on Mull in the period, including [[Torosay Castle]].

In 1889, counties were formally created in Scotland on shrieval boundaries by [[Local Government (Scotland) Act 1889|a dedicated Local Government Act]]; Mull became part of the newly created [[Argyllshire|County of Argyll]].

The whole island became a Restricted Area during [[World War II]]. The bay at Tobermory became a naval base commanded from [[HMS Western Isles|HMS ''Western Isles'']]. The base and the Restricted Area were under Commodore (later Vice Admiral) [[Gilbert Stephenson|Sir Gilbert Stephenson]], whose strict discipline and ferocious temper earned him the nickname "The Terror of Tobermory".<ref>{{cite book |title=The Terror of Tobermory: Vice-Admiral Sir Gilbert Stephenson, KBE, CB, CMG |last=Baker |first=Richard |author-link=Richard Baker (broadcaster) |year=1972 |publisher=W.H. Allen|isbn=978-1-84158-197-2}}</ref> The base was used to train [[Escort Group (naval)|Escort Groups]] in anti-submarine warfare. 911 ships passed through the base between 1940 and 1945.

Following late 20th century reforms, Mull is now part of the wider area of [[Argyll and Bute]].

According to a July 2020 article in [[Country Life (magazine)|''Country Life'']], "The Benmore Estate occupies 32,000 acres of the Isle of Mull" and includes Knock House, a Victorian hunting lodge where tourists can stay. Guests can book rides on the estate boat, the Benmore Lady.<ref>[https://www.countrylife.co.uk/travel/the-perfect-way-to-go-island-hopping-in-the-hebrides-216864 The perfect way to go island hopping in the Hebrides]</ref> Much of the lodge was built by the ninth Duke of Argyll for his wife, one of the daughters of [[Queen Victoria]]; they married in 1871. Reports indicate that the Queen stayed there, as did others including Wordsworth, Keats, JM Barrie and Sir Walter Scott.<ref>[https://www.countrylife.co.uk/travel/knock-house-the-perfect-highland-lodge-once-owned-by-queen-victorias-daughter-in-one-of-the-most-beautiful-spots-on-mull-216158 Knock House, the perfect Highland lodge once owned by Queen Victoria’s daughter, in one of the most beautiful spots on Mull]</ref>

== Demographics ==
According to the 2011 Scottish census, the Isle of Mull had a usual resident population of 2,800<ref name=NRS>{{NRS1C}}</ref> with 1,271 households.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/files/geography/2011-census/geog-2011-cen-supp-info-islands.pdf |title= Number of residents and households at individual island level, Census 2011 |publisher=nrscotland.gov.uk|date= 2011|access-date= December 29, 2023}}</ref> 
Including the offshore islands, the population was 2,996.<ref name=cen2011>Census of Scotland 2011, Table KS101SC   Usually Resident Population, publ. by National Records of Scotland. Web site 
www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk/ retrieved April 2021. See "Standard Outputs", Table KS101SC, Area type: Civil Parish</ref><ref>Scottish Islands Typology www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-islands-typology-overview-2024/documents/ - retrieved March 2024</ref><ref name=Census1891>Twelfth Decennial Census of the Population of Scotland 1911, publ. H.M.S.O. Edinburgh 1912; Vol 1, Part 6 (Argyll), Table XV, p.276-77</ref> In the same census, it was found that 33% of the residents of the island were born in England, the most of all Scottish islands with a population over 1,000.<ref>[https://www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk/media/ybpbnfbp/inhabited_islands_report.pdf Scotland’s Census 2011 Inhabited islands report], p. 16.</ref> By 2022 Mull's population had grown to 3,063.<ref name=RESAS/>

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Population of Mull and offshore islands 1911 and 1981–2011
!Island !! 1911!! 1981!! 1991!! 2001<ref>{{GRO10}}</ref> !!2011<ref name=NRS/> !!2022<ref name=RESAS/>
|-
|Calve ||align="right"|1 ||align="right"|0 ||align="right"|0 ||align="right"|0 ||align="right"|0||align="right"|0
|-
|Dubh Artach  (Lighthouse) ||align="right"|3 ||align="right"|0 ||align="right"|0 ||align="right"|0 ||align="right"|0||align="right"|0
|-
|Erraid ||align="right"|30 ||align="right"|0 ||align="right"|0 ||align="right"|8 ||align="right"|6 ||align="right"|6
|-
|Gometra ||align="right"|44 ||align="right"|0 ||align="right"|0 ||align="right"|5 ||align="right"|2||align="right"|7
|-
|Inch Kenneth ||align="right"|4 ||align="right"|0 ||align="right"|0 ||align="right"|0 ||align="right"|0 ||align="right"|0
|-
|Iona ||align="right"|222 ||align="right"|122 ||align="right"|130 ||align="right"|125 ||align="right"|177||align="right"|178
|-
|Little Colonsay  ||align="right"|4 ||align="right"|0 ||align="right"|0 ||align="right"|0 ||align="right"|0 ||align="right"|0
|-
|Mull ||align="right"|3,809 ||align="right"|2,197 ||align="right"|2,678 ||align="right"|2,667 ||align="right"|2,800 ||align="right"|3,063
|-
|Ulva ||align="right"|56 ||align="right"|17 ||align="right"|30 ||align="right"|16 ||align="right"|11 ||align="right"|6
|}

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Population of Civil Parishes in 2011
! Civil Parish !! Population
|-
|[[Kilfinichen and Kilvickeon]] ||align="right"| 745
|-
|[[Kilninian and Kilmore]] ||align="right"| 1,606
|-
|[[Torosay]] ||align="right"| 645
|-
|'''Total''' ||align="right"| '''2,996'''
|}

==Gaelic language==
[[File:TobermoryLobsterPots.jpg|alt=Lobsterpots at Tobermory harbour|thumb|Lobsterpots at Tobermory harbour]]
In Mull and the adjacent islands [[Scottish Gaelic|Gaelic]] had been the traditional language since the early Middle Ages. However, the 20th century in particular saw a reduction in the number of speakers, with a significant fall (20%) in Mull after the Second World War. This was associated with strong emigration and abandonment of the language by the younger generation. In the 1951 census only 10 people said they could not speak English.<ref name="Duwe">Kurt C. Duwe, "Muile, Tiriodh & Colla", Vol. 20, Gàidhlig (Scottish Gaelic) Local Studies, 2006: http://www.linguae-celticae.org/dateien/Gaidhlig_Local_Studies_Vol_20_Muile_Tiriodh_Ed_II.pdf</ref>

The following decades saw the beginnings of a revival. [[Gaelic medium education]] was introduced in 1996 after a long dispute with the authorities. A Gaelic-medium unit was introduced in Salen Primary School, followed by a second unit at Bunessan Primary School; the language began to be taught in the first two years of secondary school; and Gaelic playgroups were introduced. By 2006 it was found that, though only 10% of the working-age cohort spoke or understood Gaelic, language ability at school age was much higher. There was great local variation in the number of speakers, from around 25% in Craignure (''Creag an Iubhair'') to 4% in Aros. It has been argued, however, that in terms of language survival, there is reason for optimism in Mull.<ref name="Duwe"/>

==Tourism==
[[File:TobermoryHarbourHarvestMoon.jpg|alt=Tobermory harbour at night|thumb|Tobermory harbour at night]]
There is a small amount of farming, [[aquaculture]], and fishing, and [[Forestry and Land Scotland]] has several plantations on the island.<ref>[https://www.isle-of-mull.net/attractions/history/history-of-mull/#:~:text=Today%20Mull%20and%20its%20neighbouring,both%20fin%2Dfish%20and%20shellfish. History of Mull]</ref> Tobermory also has one [[whisky]] [[distillery]] ([[Tobermory distillery]]) and from 2005 to 2009 had a brewery (Isle of Mull Brewing Company).<ref>{{cite web|title=Isle of Mull Brewing Company|url=http://www.scottishbrewing.com/breweries/hebrides/mull.php|website=Today's Breweries|publisher=ScottishBrewing.com|access-date=17 August 2016}}</ref> Tiroran is home to the island's other distillery [https://whitetailgin.com/ (Whitetail Gin)] which was established as the isle's first new distillery in over 220 years in 2019.

Tourism is now the mainstay of the island's economy. The economy began to revive when construction of [[Craignure]] Pier in 1964 started to bring tourists. [[Ecotourism]] became popular from the 1990s, and the reintroduction of [[white-tailed eagle]]s in 2005 became a particular ecotourist attraction.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/wildlifeatwork_tcm9-282134.pdf|title=Wildlife at work: The economic impact of white-tailed eagles on the Isle of Mull|publisher=Royal Society for the Protection of Birds|date=3 March 2011}}</ref> The island is one of the few places to see sea eagles; there were at least 22 pairs as of April 2020.<ref>[https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/sea-eagles/ Where eagles soar: The majestic birds returning to Scottish skies]</ref>
[[File:MullCheese (2).jpg|alt=The Isle of Mull Cheese Cafe and Shop|thumb|The Isle of Mull Cheese Cafe and Shop]]
Isle of Mull cheese is Scottish [[cheddar cheese]] made from raw cow milk produced on the Isle of Mull.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=riy12DBOKroC&pg=PA144 Cheese For Dummies – Culture Magazine, Laurel Miller, Thalassa Skinner<!-- Bot generated title -->]. p. 144.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Visit |url=https://www.sgriobruadh.co.uk/visit |access-date=2022-09-13 |website=Isle of Mull Cheese |language=en |archive-date=13 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913164630/https://www.sgriobruadh.co.uk/visit |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Apart from traversing the Ross of Mull on the way to Iona, visitors typically spend time in Tobermory, visit [[Glengorm Castle]]{{fact|date=September 2023}} and then enjoy one of the beaches. One report states that "the south-west holds more white beaches, famous for their pink granite skerries and stunning sunsets, that are also perfect for kayaking".<ref>[https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/islands-scotland THE 20 MOST BEAUTIFUL ISLANDS TO VISIT IN SCOTLAND]</ref> Accommodations for tourists include self-catering holiday cottages, a few hotels, and some campsites.<ref>[https://www.isle-of-mull.net/accommodation/ Accommodation]</ref>
[[File:TobermoryLifeBoat (2).jpg|alt=Tobermory lifeboat|thumb|Tobermory lifeboat]]
Tourism was negatively affected by the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] during 2020 and into 2021. A September 2020 report stated that "The Highlands and Islands region has been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to date, when compared to Scotland and the UK as a whole remain in force". The industry required short-term support for "business survival and recovery" and that was expected to continue as the sector was "severely impacted for as long as physical distancing and travel restrictions".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hie.co.uk/media/9646/the-impact-of-covid-19-on-the-highlands-and-islands.pdf  |title=The Impact of COVID-19 On the Highlands and Islands |date=1 September 2020 |work=HIE |access-date=6 February 2021 |quote=}}</ref> A scheme called Island Equivalent was introduced by the Scottish government in early 2021 to financially assist hospitality and retail businesses "affected by Level 3 coronavirus restrictions". Previous schemes in 2020 included the Strategic Framework Business Fund and the Coronavirus Business Support Fund.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.shetland.gov.uk/news/article/130/support-for-businesses-island-equivalent-payment |title=Support for businesses – Island Equivalent Payment |date=2 February 2021 |work=Shetland Islands Council |access-date=6 February 2021 |quote=from 28 December 2020 to 24 January 2021, businesses in Level 3 island areas can now apply for a payment of £2,000 or £3,000}}</ref>

==Transport==
[[File:Tobermory, Isle of Mull.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|[[Tobermory, Mull|Tobermory]]&nbsp;– with just over a thousand people, the largest settlement on Mull&nbsp;– is home to the only [[whisky]] [[distillery]] on the island.]]
[[File:TobermoryLighthouse (2).jpg|alt=Tobermory Lighthouse|thumb|Tobermory Lighthouse]]

===Ferries===
Ferry links to Mull from the mainland include:
* The most-used ferry, from [[Oban]] to [[Craignure, Mull|Craignure]] (approx. 45 minutes),
* [[Kilchoan]] to Tobermory (approx. 35 minutes)
* [[Lochaline]] to [[Fishnish]] (approx. 15 minutes).

Advance bookings are not required for the Kilchoan or Fishnish ferries; access to those two ferry terminals on the mainland side is via [[single-track road]]s.

There are also ferry links from [[Fionnphort]] on Mull to the neighbouring island of [[Iona]] and from [[Oskamull]] to [[Ulva]]. In past years there were direct sailings to [[Oban]] (calling at [[Drimnin]], Salen, [[Lochaline]], and Craignure), and to [[Barra]], [[Coll]], and [[Tiree]] from Tobermory. During the summer there was also a sailing to [[Staffa]] and Iona from Oban that called at Tobermory.

===Buses===
Buses are operated by West Coast Motors Ltd. There are routes from Tobermory to [[Calgary, Mull|Calgary]] via [[Dervaig]] (Service 494), Tobermory to Craignure via Salen (Service 495), and Craignure to Fionnphort via [[Bunessan]] (Service 496). Limited services operate to [[Lochbuie, Mull|Lochbuie]] and [[Gruline]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.westcoastmotors.co.uk/timetables/ |title=Timetables & maps – West Coast Motors |access-date=6 March 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722100502/http://www.bowmanstours.co.uk/timetables.htm |archive-date=22 July 2011  }}</ref> West Coast Motors also provide guided tours around Mull, [[Iona]], and [[Staffa]], including boat transfers from Oban.

A minibus service also operates seasonally from Craignure to [[Duart Castle]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.duartnews.com/duartnews.experience.htm |title=The DUART coach - taking you from Craignure to the castle |access-date=21 March 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120728144407/http://www.duartnews.com/duartnews.experience.htm |archive-date=28 July 2012  }}</ref>

There is also a community-run service from Calgary to Salen via Ulva Ferry.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ufcb.org.uk/ |title=Ulva Ferry Community Bus |access-date=14 February 2019 |archive-date=14 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214174730/https://www.ufcb.org.uk/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Airstrip===
There is a landing strip for private light aircraft near Salen.<ref>[http://www.glenforsa.com/glenforsamulltransports.html "Transport Links"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090929000646/http://www.glenforsa.com/glenforsamulltransports.html |date=29 September 2009 }} The Glen Forsa Hotel. Retrieved 14 July 2008.</ref> There was a [[seaplane]] that linked Tobermory with [[Glasgow]] and Oban. The regular scheduled service terminated in 2009. [[Loganair]] operated a scheduled service to Glasgow in the 1960s from [[Glenforsa]] airfield, a {{convert|780|m|ft|adj=mid|-long}} grass airstrip constructed by the Royal Engineers in 1965 near [[Salen, Mull|Salen]]. The airstrip has been operated since 2014 by Brendan and Allison Walsh, owners of the adjacent Glenforsa Hotel.

===Tourist railway===
The [[Isle of Mull Railway]] ran from Craignure to [[Torosay Castle]] but closed in 2011.

==Schooling==
There is one secondary school on the island (Tobermory High School) and six primary schools. [[Salen, Mull|Salen]] Primary School has a Gaelic medium education unit. Secondary pupils (age 11–18) from Iona, [[Bunessan]] and [[Fionnphort]] in the south-west attend [[Oban High School]], staying in an [[Oban]] hostel from Monday to Thursday.

==Communications==
Mull was connected to the mainland by a [[submarine communications cable|submarine telegraph cable]] between Oban and Grass Point in 1871. There were telegraph offices at Tobermory, [[Dervaig]], [[Calgary, Mull|Calgary]], Craignure, [[Pennyghael]], [[Tiroran]], [[Fionnphort]], [[Bunessan]], and [[Iona]].<ref>{{cite book|title=The Isle of Mull|author=P. A. Macnab|publisher=David & Charles|year=1970|page=129}}</ref>

The [[General Post Office|Post Office]] built an experimental wireless telegraph station on [[Meall an Inbhire]] near Tobermory in 1892.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=Electrical Engineering|volume=9|year=1913|page=623}}</ref>

In 2014, fibre optic cables for support of high-speed internet were laid between Kilchoan (in [[Ardnamurchan]]) and Tobermory and between [[Dunbeg|Dunstaffnage]] (near Oban) and Torosay. In February 2015 additional cables were laid underground between Tobermory and Torosay to complete the link.

==Media and the arts==
[[File:Duart Castle.jpg|thumb|right|[[Duart Castle]], Isle of Mull]]
[[AM broadcasting|AM radio]], broadcast from Oban, came to the island in 1930 and television in 1954. New AM radio and [[Ultra High Frequency|UHF]] television transmitters were constructed on Druim Mòr, {{convert|1|mi|spell=in}} west of [[Torosay Castle]], in 1978. Digital transmissions commenced on 15 November 1998 and analogue transmissions ceased on 27 October 2010. The digital transmitters have 22 relays on Mull, surrounding islands, and parts of the mainland, collectively the Torosay Transmitter Group.<ref>{{cite web| title=Torosay and relays|url=https://ukfree.tv/maps/tvregions/87|publisher=UK Free TV| access-date=9 October 2018}}</ref>

[[Mull Theatre]] is a professional theatre company based in a 2008 theatre production centre on the outskirts of Tobermory.<ref name="theatre">{{cite web| url=http://www.mulltheatre.com/centre_building.htm| title=Druimfin, the new home for Mull Theatre| publisher=Mull Theatre| access-date=26 July 2009}}</ref> The company commissions plays, tours throughout Scotland and beyond, and runs an education and outreach programme. It started at the "Mull Little Theatre" at Dervaig in 1966 and was the "Smallest Professional Theatre in the World" according to the ''[[Guinness World Records]]''. The [[National Theatre of Scotland]] were in residence at the Mull Theatre in April 2009.{{Citation needed|date=July 2009}}
[[File:Ropesculpturemull (2).jpg|alt=Rope sculpture at Calgary Bay|thumb|Rope sculpture at Calgary Bay]]
An Tobar ("The Well"), based in Tobermory, is the only publicly funded multidisciplinary arts centre in Argyll. Established in 1997, it is a centre for visual arts, crafts and music.<ref>[https://www.antobar.co.uk/ "Welcome to AN TOBAR, Tobermory, Isle of Mull"] antobar.co.uk. Retrieved 21 June 2010.</ref> With effect from 1 April 2013, An Tobar and the Mull Theatre were brought together as Comar.

==Natural history==
[[File:Carline-thistle-Twitter-JS-01.jpg|thumb|upright|Carline thistle (''Carlina vulgaris'') flowering on the Isle of Mull]]
The Isle of Mull is a popular destination for naturalists and photographers for seeing some of Britain's more elusive species.{{citation needed|date=June 2019}}

Mull has over 800 species of [[vascular plant]] (684 native and 171 naturalised) including 33 species of fern,<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.wildmull.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222102118/http://www.wildmull.com/|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 December 2015|title=Home – Wild Mull}}</ref> at least 18 species of orchid and 22 native species of tree. There are about 700 species of lichen, 571 liverworts and mosses, and 247 marine algae (seaweeds), making a total of 2,388 species of plant recorded from the island. In addition, more than 2,000 species of fungi have been recorded on Mull: Dennis and Watling write, "When one speaks of the Inner Hebridean fungi one is referring to the floras of Mull and Rhum".<ref>Dennis, R.W.G., Watling, R. 1983. Fungi in the Inner Hebrides. In The Natural Environment of the Inner Hebrides, Edited by John Morton Boyd and D.R. Bowes, Volume 83, January 1983, pp 415–429</ref>

The island has 261 different bird species, including the [[white-tailed eagle]], which was [[Reintroduction|reintroduced]] to the nearby island of [[Rùm]] and migrated to Mull, where it now has a stronghold. [[Basking shark]]s, [[minke whale]]s, [[porpoise]]s, and dolphins are among the sea life nearby.

The island is home to a population of [[Eurasian otter|otters]] that live in coastal habitat, hunting during the day.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://wildmull.com/species_details.aspx?ID=16|title = Lutra lutra|access-date = 24 October 2015|website = Wild Mull}}</ref> The Mull Otter Group was established for the conservation needs of otters on the Isle of Mull.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.mullottergroup.co.uk|title = Mull Otter Group|access-date = 24 October 2015|website = Mull Otter Group}}</ref>

[[File:Basalt Rock Formation - geograph.org.uk - 180882.jpg|thumb|left|On a Mull beach, basalt columns radiate away from the location of a tree trunk consumed by a Palaeocene lava eruption.]]
The island also has several birds of prey, such as hen harriers,<ref>{{cite web|url = http://wildmull.com/species_details.aspx?ID=223|title = Circus cyaneus|access-date = 24 October 2015|website = Wild Mull}}</ref> golden eagles,<ref>{{cite web|url = http://wildmull.com/species_details.aspx?ID=111|title = Aquila chrysaetos|access-date = 24 October 2015|website = Wild Mull}}</ref> and short eared owls,<ref>{{cite web|url = http://wildmull.com/species_details.aspx?ID=117|title = Asio flammeus|access-date = 24 October 2015|website = Wild Mull}}</ref> all difficult species to see{{why|date=July 2018}} throughout the rest of the UK. Pine martens have also recently become established on Mull;<ref>{{cite web|url = http://wildmull.com/species_details.aspx?ID=1317|title = Martes martes Wild Mull|access-date = 24 October 2015}}</ref> based on sighting records and from resulting modelling exercises, it is believed the species arrived in 2004 through accidental transportation on timber boats from the mainland. It is unlikely that pine martens have ever been native to the Isle of Mull.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/commissioned_reports/560.pdf |title=Roy, S., Milborrow, J., Allan, J. and Robertson, P. 2012. Pine martens on the Isle of Mull – Assessing risks to native species. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No.560 |access-date=24 October 2015 |archive-date=22 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222142556/http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/commissioned_reports/560.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The [[Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust]] was established in 1994 and is a marine conservation charity that takes action through community based research and education. The Trust carries out long-term monitoring programmes on [[cetacean]]s in the Hebrides, by collating sightings reported by the public and running live-aboard research expeditions on their sailing yacht, Silurian.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.hwdt.org|title = Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust|access-date = 2 September 2021|website = Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust}}</ref> The Trust covers the west coast of Scotland, and is based in Tobermory, where it has its main office, Discovery Centre and the mooring of their research vessel. 
[[File:Mull coastline.jpg|alt=Coast line at Ardmore|thumb|Coast line at Ardmore]]
There are also a number of invasive species on the island, including plant species such as Japanese knotweed<ref>{{cite web|url = http://wildmull.com/species_details.aspx?ID=982|title = Reynoutria japonica|access-date = 24 October 2015|website = Wild Mull}}</ref> and animals such as feral cats and American mink<ref>{{cite web|url = http://wildmull.com/species_details.aspx?ID=1178|title = Neovison vison|access-date = 24 October 2015|website = Wild Mull}}</ref> that are believed to be causing damage to the indigenous species populations through competition and predation.<ref name=":0" />
{{clear left}}

==Religion==
*[[Lochdon Free Church]], built in 1852
*[[Mull Monastery of All Celtic Saints]], a [[Romanian Orthodox Church|Romanian Orthodox Christian]] women's monastery founded in 2010 in [[Kilninian]].

==Sport==
[[File:Mull.jpg|thumb|Sunrise over the [[Sound of Mull]]]]
The Tour of Mull is [[Rallying|a road-closing rally]] around the island every October. It has been sponsored since 2005 by [[Tunnock's]], the Lanarkshire teacake and biscuit manufacturer.<ref>
*[https://www.2300club.org/ "Tunnock's Tour of Mull"] 2300club.org. Retrieved 24 April 2011.
*[http://www.mullcarclub.co.uk/tour%20of%20mull.htm "Tour of Mull Rally 1969–2002"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130819093208/http://mullcarclub.co.uk/tour%20of%20mull.htm |date=19 August 2013 }} Mullcarclub.co.uk. Retrieved 27 September 2008.</ref> A five-year sponsorship deal with Beatson's Building Supplies started in 2015.

There are several [[shipwreck]]s around the shores that offer [[scuba diving]].{{citation needed|date=June 2019}}

There is an Isle of Mull Cycling Club.<ref>Isle of Mull Cycling Club {{Cite web |url=http://www.isleofmullcyclingclub.co.uk/ |title=Isle of Mull Cycling Club |access-date=14 February 2022 |archive-date=1 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201001342/http://www.isleofmullcyclingclub.co.uk/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The Cross at the Castle [[cyclocross]] event is held annually at Glengorm Castle near Tobermory and features the World Santacross Championships and the Scottish Singlespeed Cylocross Championships.{{citation needed|date=June 2019}}

Mull Runners organise a half marathon and [[10K run]] each August between Craignure and Salen.<ref>{{Cite web|title=mullrunners.com|url=https://www.mullrunners.com/|access-date=17 October 2020}}</ref>

Rugby is played at Garmony (beside the Craignure to Salen road {{convert|6+1/2|mi|km|abbr=on|disp=or|round=0.5}} north of Craignure). The Mull Rugby 7s Competition takes place annually in May at The Isle of Mull R.F.C's rugby club.{{citation needed|date=June 2019}}

There are golf courses at Tobermory (Erray Park), Craignure (beside the Craignure to Salen road {{convert|1|mi|km|round=0.5|abbr=on|disp=or}} north of Craignure) and on Iona.

Mull Highland Games are held each July in the grounds of Tobermory Golf Club (Erray Park). Events include Heavy Weights, Light Field, and Highland Dance.{{citation needed|date=June 2019}}

The swimming pool at the Isle of Mull Hotel, Craignure is open to the paying public.

Tobermory has some free tennis courts.

Football is played, mainly in the south end. Bunessan F.C. play a number of games during the summer, most notably against arch rivals Iona FC, the island just off the south west end. Bunessan F.C. also hold an annual 5-a-side tournament in July.{{citation needed|date=June 2019}}

==Community initiatives==
Following research and community consultation in 1996/97, a [[development trust]] was created to identify key goals for the communities of Mull and [[Iona]]. Mull & Iona Community Trust<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mict.co.uk/|title=Mull and Iona Community Trust}}</ref> was formed in 1997 and published a "Community Regeneration Strategy" for the islands. They purchased the only butcher's shop on the island (closed February 2010), created a community-run Countryside Ranger service, instigated various recycling initiatives, and provide a fundraising and training consultancy.<ref>[http://www.dtascot.org.uk/products.cfm DTA Scotland Directory of Members] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090403155318/http://www.dtascot.org.uk/products.cfm |date=3 April 2009 }}</ref>

[[File:Macquarie Mausoleum, Gruline (geograph 4532349).jpg|thumb|The Macquarie Mausoleum]]

==Notable people==
*[[Martyn Bennett]] (1971–2005), Canadian-Scottish musician, lived on Mull, buried in Calgary Bay cemetery
* [[Peter Bonetti]] (1941–2020), English footballer (goalkeeper)
* Major General [[Colin Gubbins]], head of [[Special Operations Executive]] during [[World War II]]
*[[Duncan Livingstone]] (1877–1964), [[Scottish Gaelic]] [[Bard]], born at [[Torloisk]], emigrated to South Africa in 1903. Continued to write Gaelic verse in [[Pretoria]] until his death.
*[[Agnes Maxwell MacLeod]] (1783–1879), poet and minister's wife
* [[Colin MacIntyre]] (b. 1971), Scottish musician who frequently goes under the name "Mull Historical Society"
* [[Margaret McKellar]] (1861–1941), medical missionary<ref name="Leonard1914">{{cite book|last=Leonard|first=John William|title=Woman's Who's who of America: A Biographical Dictionary of Contemporary Women of the United States and Canada|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MQnhIJhYbbMC&pg=PA524|year=1914|publisher=American Commonwealth Company|pages=524–}}</ref>
* [[John McLean (explorer)|John McLean]] (1799–1890), Canadian-Scottish explorer and one of the chief traders of the [[Hudson's Bay Company]]
* [[Norman Maclean]] (1902–1990), acclaimed [[Scottish-American]] author from [[Missoula]], [[Montana]], who explored the alcoholism and gambling addictions of his ancestors, Scottish Gaelic-speaking Presbyterians on the Isle, in the 1976 novella ''[[A River Runs Through It and Other Stories]]'' 
* [[Mary Macleod (poet)|Mary Macleod]], 17th-century poet said to have been banished to Mull<ref>{{cite ODNB|id=17675|title=Màiri nighean Alasdair Ruaidh|first=Derick S.|last=Thomson}}</ref>
* [[Lachlan Macquarie]] (1762–1824), Governor of New South Wales, born on the nearby island of [[Ulva]]<ref>{{Cite Australian Dictionary of Biography
 |first= N. D.
 |last= McLachlan
 |year= 1967
 |id2= macquarie-lachlan-2419
 |title= Lachlan Macquarie (1762–1824)
 |access-date= 6 September 2025
 |volume=2}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Scottish Islands|Scotland|Islands}}
* [[List of islands of Scotland]]
*[[Dòideag]]
*[[List of Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Mull, Coll and Tiree]]
*[[Great Mull Air Mystery]]

==References==
* Baird, Bob (1995) ''Shipwrecks of the West of Scotland''. Glasgow. Nekton Books. {{ISBN|1-897995-02-4}}
* Currie, Jo. (2001) ''Mull: The Island and Its People''. Birlinn Ltd.
* Jermy, A.C. and Crabbe, J.A. (Ed) (1978) ''The Island of Mull a Survey of its Flora and Environment.'' London. British Museum (Natural History).

==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Isle of Mull}}
{{Wikivoyage|Mull}}
* [https://visitmullandiona.co.uk Marketing Mull and Iona Community Interest Company]

{{Mull}}
{{Hebrides}}
{{NSAs in Scotland}}
{{Islands of Scotland}}
{{Coord|56|27|N|6|00|W|type:isle_region:GB|display=title}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mull, Isle Of}}
[[Category:Isle of Mull| ]]
[[Category:Cleared places in the Inner Hebrides]]
[[Category:Islands of Argyll and Bute]]
[[Category:Underwater diving sites in Scotland]]