Tobermory (Tobar Mhoire – Well of Mary), capital of Mull, is one of the prettiest ports in Scotland, thanks to the colourful houses and a sheltered bay where legend has it one of the Spanish Armada ships sank in 1588 carrying gold bullion.
Built as a fishing port in 1788 on a design by Thomas Telford, the town curves around the harbour and rises into the hillside beyond. Main Street is a mix of shops, eateries, hotels and guest houses and has an excellent selection of locally produced arts and crafts.
Tobermory is home to the Mull Museum, crammed with information about the history of Mull and its people. Guided tours can be booked at Tobermory Distillery while at the Mull Aquarium you can see fascinating exhibits about the area’s marine heritage. In the village is art gallery and live music venue An Tobar and also the Mull Theatre, which puts on a variety of plays and comedies.
A 9-hole golf course sits in the cliff tops above Tobermory Bay offering a tough challenge with spectacular, panoramic views across to the Ardnamurchan Peninsula and, on a clear day, the Isle of Skye. There are boat moorings and harbour facilities, and the bay is a departure point for whale watching and wildlife cruises.
Outside Tobermory on the road to Glengorm Castle lies a local craft shop and the starting point for walks through grassland to ancient monuments and forts. Close by Sgriob-ruadh Farm produces award-winning the Isle of Mull Cheese.
