GUEST INFORMATION

Table of Contents

MULL AND ISLANDS INFORMATION ...... 3 RESTAURANT & BAR ...... 8 MENUS AND WINE LIST...... 9 HOUSEKEEPING AND ROOM INFORMATION ...... 9 GENERAL INFORMATION ...... 10 WHAT WILL WE DO TODAY? ...... 11 ACTIVITIES...... 12 TRAVEL ...... 13 DRIVING ON MULL...... 13

Mull and Islands Information

Geography

Mull has a coastline of 480 kilometres (300 mi) and its climate is moderated by the Gulf Stream. The island has a mountainous core, the highest peak on the island being , which reaches 966 metres (3,169 ft.). Various peninsulas, which are predominantly , radiate from the centre. The Aros peninsula to the north includes the main town of Tobermory, which was a burgh until 1973 when burghs were abolished. Other settlements include Salen and Calgary. The lies to the south west and includes the villages of , , and . Lochbuie, Lochdon and lie to the east. Numerous islands lie off the west coast of Mull, including , , , , and . Smaller uninhabited islands include , Little , the and of Fingal's Cave fame. is an uninhabited island in Tobermory Bay. Two outlying rock are also visible from the south west of Mull, and . The are a large shoal of reefs, islets and , approximately 15 square miles (39 km2) in extent, located two miles (3 km) to the south west, between the Ross of Mull peninsula and Dubh Artach. Frank Lockwood's Island near Lochbuie is named after the brother- in-law of the 21st MacLean of Lochbuie, who was Solicitor General from 1894-5. Part of the indented west coast of Mull and some of the offshore islands there are part of the National Scenic Area, one of 40 in .

Geology

Mull is constructed rather like a multi-tiered wedding cake. Thick layers of basalt lava sit on top of a complicated basement of much older rocks which peep out around the edges of Mull rather like the silver base does on the lowest wedding cake tier. Geologists love Mull because it has such a long and interesting history (its oldest rocks on Iona are about 2000 million years old), and it has unique structures and rocks found nowhere else in the world (such as the Loch Ba Ring Dyke and felsite). Mull has not always been in its present position and form. Over geological time it has undergone enormous changes. Mull’s oldest rocks formed way south in the southern hemisphere and Mull (in common with the ) has gradually drifted northwards to its present day position. (In the process of continental drift.) Its rocks preserve details of the climatic zones that it passed through on its northward journey. For example, if you stand on the rocky shore opposite Inch Kenneth at Gribun you will be standing on sandstones deposited in a desert region at the same sort of latitude and rather like the Persian Gulf today. Most of Mull is made of lava poured out of fissure volcanos when the North Atlantic was forming and Mull was torn apart from its ‘neighbour’ Greenland as the vast super-continent which once joined North America and Europe divided. The molten lava which erupted from about 60 to 50 million years ago forms Mull’s ‘stepped’ tablelands. Into these, at a later stage, intrusions of other ‘rocks formed by fire’ took place, forming the mountains of Mull’s famous Central Igneous Complex. Volcanic explosions and intense earthquakes shook Mull at that time and one of the old fault lines, the Great Glen fault is still occasionally active. (Nothing catastrophic!) Mull’s final shape has largely been carved by huge glaciers which only melted away from Mull 10,000 years ago leaving deep ‘U’ shaped valleys between the mountains and long glaciated lochs both freshwater and marine. Mull doesn’t have any precious gems at the surface, but geologists know that deep below Mull, in the earth’s mantle there must be priceless minerals at this spot, but the at that depth would melt any drills probing for them! Mull with its incredible history and unique rocks and intrusions is a ‘Mecca’ for geologists who travel from all over the world to carry out field work here.

History

It is widely understood that Mull was inhabited shortly after the end of the last Ice Age, from around 6000 BC. inhabitants built menhirs, brochs and a stone circle with examples of burial cairns, cists, standing stones, stone circles, pottery and knife blades providing compelling evidence. Between 600 BC to 400 AD Iron Age inhabitants were building protective forts, and crannogs. The early Christian period began in the 6th Century, with 563AD being a pivotal point as it is believed that Christianity was brought to this part of northern Britain by St. , when he arrived from to set up a monastery on the Island of Iona just off the south-west point of Mull. In the 14th century Mull became part of the Lordship of the Isles. After the collapse of the Lordship in 1493 the island was taken over by the , and in 1681 by the .

The Galleon

Legend has it that the wreck of a Spanish galleon, laden with gold, lies somewhere in the mud at the bottom of Tobermory Bay — although the ship's true identity, and cargo, are in dispute. By some accounts, the Florencia (or Florida, or San Francisco), a member of the defeated Spanish Armada fleeing the English fleet in 1588, anchored in Tobermory to take on provisions. Following 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. Other sources claim the vessel was the San Juan de Sicilia (or San Juan de Baptista), which, records indicate, carried troops, not treasure. According to that account, the island's chief, Lachlan Mor Maclean, struck a deal with the Spanish commander to reprovision and refit the ship in return for military intervention on the side of the MacLeans in their feud with enemies on nearby islands. Whatever the true story, numerous searches for the wreck, and its rumored treasure, took place from the mid-17th century to the end of the 20th century. No significant treasure has ever been recovered in Tobermory Bay.

Other History

In 1773 the island was visited by Samuel Johnson and James Boswell during their famous Tour of the Western Islands. During the Clearances in the 18th and 19th centuries, the population fell from 10,000 to less than 3,000. The whole island became a Restricted Area during World War II. The bay at Tobermory became a naval base commanded from HMS Western Isles. The base and the Restricted Area were under Commodore (later Vice Admiral) Sir Gilbert Stephenson, whose strict discipline and ferocious temper earned him the nickname "The Terror of Tobermory". The base was used to train Escort Groups in anti-submarine warfare. 911 ships passed through the base between 1940 and 1945. Mull boasts such historic buildings as , and which is open to the public from Easter to September. Moy Castle is a small distressed castle on the shore of Lochbuie and is worth a visit. The mausoleum of , Governor of from 1809 to 1822, and known as "The Father of ", may be found near his old patrimonial estate in the village of Gruline. Macquarie had been born on the nearby island of Ulva, ancient seat of clan MacQuarrie.

Farming, fishing and burning seaweed to ash (used in the manufacture of soap and glass) were the main economic activities on the island until the 19th century. Tobermory was built by the British Fisheries Society in 1788 as a planned settlement to support the fishing industry. In the mid 19th century the Highland Famine and the reduced the population by two thirds and the island economy collapsed. In the early 20th century there were more than people.

Economy

The economy began to revive when the construction of Craignure Pier in 1964 started to bring tourists. Tourism is now the mainstay of the island's economy. Ecotourism became popular from the 1990s and the re-introduction of White-tailed eagles in 2005 became a particular ecotourist drawcard. There is a small amount of farming, aquaculture and fishing and Forestry Commission Scotland has several plantations on the island. Tobermory also has the Island’s only whisky distillery.

Film Locations on the

I know where I’m going - This film was made in 1945 and is a romance starring Wendy Hiller and Roger Livesey. It also features Pamela Brown, Finlay and Petula Clark. The Western Isles Hotel in Tobermory was used in the filming as was Duart Castle, Torosay Castle and the ruin of Moy Castle at Lochbuie.

The Eye of the Needle - A spy thriller novel written by British author Ken Follett which was made into a film in 1981 starring Donald , Christopher Cazanove and Kate Nelligan. The film is set during the Second world War and tells the story of a German secret agent trying to get back to Germany, whose boat is wrecked on a remote Scottish Island. Most of the filming on Mull was undertaken on the spectacular Treshnish Headland and around Loch na Keal. There is also some footage of and Connel Bridge.

Kidnapped - The fairly obscure low budget 1971 film adaptation of ’s starred Michael Caine and Trevor Howard. Many of the scenes were filmed on the Isle of Mull, particularly round the Calgary area, the of Erraid on the Ross of Mull and Calgary Bay on the North-west coast.

When Eight Bells Toll - In a vein similar to Bond movies, a British agent Philip Calvert is on a mission to determine the whereabouts of a ship that disappeared near the coast of Scotland. Brown’s Ironmongers in Tobermory was featured, along with some wonderful footage of Bloody Bay and the helicopter flying over Tobermory . Tobermory was also used for the filming location of the port where Philip Calvert’s (Anthony Hopkins) ship is moored. Duart Castle and Fingal’s Cave on the Isle of Staffa were used as filming locations and Philip Calvert had a fight with two men in a graveyard which was filmed at the burial ground in .

Entrapment - The film follows the characters from New York to Scotland to Kuala Lumpur, where the largest heist is to steal $8 billion from one of the largest banks on the eve of the new millennium. The building used for exterior shots of Mac’s () safe house is Duart Castle, near Craignure, the ancestral home of the chief of the Clan MacLean, which incidentally is the maiden name of Connery’s mother.

The Silent Storm - Damian Lewis, stars in the latest film to be filmed on Mull. Filming took place on the Carsaig Estate in the south of Mull where the crew built a church for the set, and at Inniemore Lodge. (Damian enjoyed a few pints in Tobermory on his days off filming!)

The Mull Museum is well worth a visit and is manned by volunteers with a donation system to keep it running.

Restaurant & Bar

Restaurant

Opening times for the restaurant is as follows:

Breakfast: 8.00am-10.00am Monday to Sunday

Dinner: 5.30pm-9.00pm

Outside: 1200pm - 9.00pm (Food to 4pm weather dependant)

Breakfast – At exceptionally busy times it may be necessary for guests to wait for a table. This will not usually be for more than 10 minutes and you will be offered tea or coffee in the bar/snug. If you are going on an organised trip please allow enough time for breakfast as we serve guests in order and our food is cooked from fresh. If you are leaving early a breakfast grab bag is available. Please ask at reception.

Dinner – Please note that booking is advisable, as we cannot guarantee a table at your preferred time unless booked in advance. We are happy to cater for various dietary requirements but please let us know beforehand.

Packed lunches – We can arrange a packed lunch for you, made fresh from our kitchen. Packed lunches are £9.50 each and we kindly ask that you place your order with reception by 6pm the evening before you require them.

Bar and Snug

Our public bar is open from 12 noon until midnight unless it is exceptionally quiet when we may close earlier.

Our bay side beer garden is open from noon until 9pm

Dogs are allowed in the bar outside of food service times Menus and wine list

Our main menus are available via reception and the bar. We have daily specials from the land and sea. Housekeeping and room Information

Check out We kindly ask that guests vacate their rooms by 10.00am on the day of departure and that all keys are returned to reception

Dogs Dogs are welcome in our 2 dog-friendly rooms but please do not leave them unattended. Dog towels are available on request from reception. Dogs are not allowed in the main public areas of the hotel while meals are being served.

Extractor Fans Our fire alarms are sensitive to steam so please ensure the extractor fans are left on when taking a bath or shower.

Faults Please report any faults or problems so we can rectify them as soon as possible

Hairdryers All rooms are provided with hair dryers, which you will find in the top drawer.

Iron/Ironing Board Should you require an iron and ironing board during your stay please ask at reception and we will be happy to bring one to your room.

Laundry We provide a chargeable laundry service (washing and drying only) for guests at a rate of £10 per load.

Tea and coffee making facilities These are available in all rooms and are replenished daily. Please let us know if you would like fresh milk.

Turndown We offer a turndown service 7-8pm on request please put your do not disturb sign on the door or inform reception.

Wi-Fi Free wi-fi is available throughout the hotel and networks and codes are as follows: Rm 1-8 and 18 - Tobhotelguest galleongrill Rm 9-16, Lounge& bar Tobhoteladmin galleongrill

General Information

Books The Tobermory Hotel team are very knowledgeable about the island and would be delighted to assist you in anyway we can to ensure you make best use of your time to see our beautiful island. We have a variety of books, maps and information leaflets in the reception area which we invite you to use.

Emergency Numbers There is a doctor’s surgery and a dentist located at Rockfield in the upper part of Tobermory. To make a doctors appointment please call 01688 302013 or the dentist, 01688 302015. There is also a hospital at Craignure which can be contacted on 01680 300392. There is a Pharmacist situated on the main street.

Fire In case of fire please vacate your rooms immediately, following the fire exit signs to the nearest fire exit. The meeting point is outside by the harbour railings, opposite the hotel reception entrance.

Keys There is a front door key with your room key. Please take this with you if you are likely to be late so you can let yourself in after the front door is locked at night. There is a doorbell situated on the right hand side of the main entrance.

Night Service We do not offer night service but there is a duty manager available round the clock in an emergency. There is an emergency contact number of 07919487645

Smoking Smoking is not permitted anywhere within the hotel. There will be a £200 charge added to any room that requires extra cleaning as a result of guests smoking.

What will we do today?

Mull is much bigger than many people realise – 53 miles from end to end, mainly single track roads and always something to make you stop and look – everything takes so much longer and there is so much to do. Here’s just a few ideas………

Islands

Iona – a must for most and deserves a whole day to get beyond the Abbey and get a feel of the island itself. A very special place.

Treshnish Isles – the place for bird watchers and anyone who loves puffins. Another day trip.

Staffa – Fingals Cave has been a tourist attraction for over 250 years. A day trip, which can be combined with the Treshnish Isles.

Ulva – Less well known but just as magical. A must for walkers as well as wildlife enthusiasts.

Wildlife

Whale and watching – Now and again seals and can be spotted in the bay outside the hotel but you can increase your chances by taking a boat trip to observe and learn about these amazing creatures. Half or full day.

Wildlife Safaris – book a day trip with an expert who will show you best spots and share with you their local knowledge. Landrover or walking tours.

RSPB Sea Eagle Hide – This is by reservation only and can be booked on 01680 812556

Activities

Artists – Mull has always attracted artists. Visit the Art in Nature walk at Calgary or Gus Stewart’s studio on Breadalbane Street in Tobermory.

Beaches – Discover the various beautiful white sandy beaches – you could have one all to yourselves.

Cycling – On or off road it’s a joy. You can even hire electric bikes to help with the hills!

Fishing – Sea, river, loch, game or coarse – permits are available from Browns and Tackle and Books on the Main Street. Sea fishing trips are bookable through Tackle and Books

Golf – Tobermory golf course, a 9 hole course with spectacular views. Day tickets are available from Browns or the clubhouse. There is also a course at Craignure

History – Visit Duart castle, seat of the McaLeans Explore the deserted villages of the clearances. Spend a while browsing round Mull museum on Main St

Pool and Spa – at the Isle of Mull Hotel in Craignure

Theatre and Arts – There is a full arts programme at An Tobar in Tobermory and varied theatrical productions at Mull theatre just outside.

Walking – From Ben More (966m) to the lighthouse walk from Tobermory, you will find walks for all tastes and abilities

Travel

Calmac https://www.calmac.co.uk/

Mull Bus services https://www.westcoastmotors.co.uk/services

Driving on Mull

If this is your first visit to Mull it may also be your first encounter with single track roads. They can be a bit daunting at first, but you'll soon get the hang of it if you follow the code. Passing places occur frequently. Most are marked by a black and white banded pole, although some have the newer diamond shaped reflective sign which is easier to see at night.

Think of passing places as very short stretches of twin-track road, and you'll avoid most of the pitfalls. If you're not all that good at reversing, it would be a good idea to get some practice before you come to Mull.

Passing Place Code As per the Highway Code, always KEEP LEFT and stop in a passing place on your left, or opposite a passing place on the right to let approaching vehicles past (do not your way past other drivers in between passing places - reverse if necessary).

LET THE DRIVER BEHIND PASS! (again, stopping on the left). They are probably experienced in driving on single track roads and could be members of the emergency services or have a to catch. You are welcome to enjoy the scenery at 30mph, but please allow others to get on. Show consideration to cyclists and horse riders. This will prevent frustration on their part and make your time on Mull more pleasurable for all.

Driving Times

Tobermory – Craingure: approx. 40mins Tobermory – Fionnphort: approx. 1hr 45mins Tobermory – Calgary: approx. 40mins