History and Culture

Places of Historical and Cultural Interest on Mull and Iona

Duart Castle Craignure Mull-Clan McLean Stronghold built on seapower

 

 Click image to enlarge

  Duart Castle, on the Isle of Mull standing proud on a crag at the end of a peninsula looking our across the Sound of Mull, is the ancestral home of the Clan Maclean, Lord of the Isles ancient stronghold. You can see Duart Castle on the ferry crossing from Oban to Craignure. Discover the history of the Castle and the Macleans - a worthy and interesting visit for anyone interested in castles, Scottish and clan history,and the isles themselves; visit the tea and gift shop to purchase from a wide range of gifts and Scottish merchandise, enjoy a cup of tea and delicious home baking, and with some luck be served by the Laird himself, the present Chief of the Macleans, Sir Lachlan Maclean, replete in his kilt. Several events are held at Duart Castle throughout the summer so it's worth checking their website for further information. Sadly neighbouring Torosay castle is no longer open to the public although the delightful woodland walk from Craignure and Torosay is still open. Approximately one hour from Seaview bed and breakfast.

 Lochbuie Standing Stones,St Kilda Church,Moy Castle,Laggan Sands,Maclaine Mausoleum

 

 Moy Castle built in the 15th century by by Hector MacLean, stands on a low rock platform with a commanding view at the head of Loch Buie. It is a 3 storey tower with a garret. On the centre of the ground floor there is a well with a depth of 1.8 metres. The well is cut into the solid rock but always has fresh water in it and is at a level much above the outside ground level. There is currently no knowledge of the means of water supply to this well.

 Renovation started in September 2006 to stabilise the interior and external stonework. The entrance door is locked now because of a risk of crumbling masonry. Even though access is restricted to the castle for safety reasons, the castle is still worth a visit as it makes a great day out combining it with a visit to St.Kildas Chapel by the car park, plus a leisurely walk along the shores and beaches to Laggan Sands and the Mausoleum of the MacLeans. The beach and shore line is fantastic for waders and other bird life as well as sitting and enjoying a picnic, skimming stones and having a wee paddle. For further detailed information go to our walking section and read more

 The Mull Historical Society has a whole host of information about other historical buildings, ruins, brochs, crannogs, duns, standing stones and forts etc on the island. Further information can be found by contacting: Anne Cleave, Geadan Dubh, Ulva Ferry, Isle of Mull PA73 6LY

 Ross of Mull Historical Centre

 The Ross of Mull Historical Centre (ROMHC) is situated in Bunessan at Millbrae Cottage, next to the ruins of the old corn mill. You will see it on the right hand side as you come down the hill on your way to Fionnphort and enter the village of Bunessan. The Centre is primarily run on a voluntary basis with some grant aid, and the staff will be delighted to share with you the treasure trove of information about the life and times, past and present, of the people of the Ross of Mull and Iona. Visitors wishing to trace their ancestors are well advised to start by contacting and visiting the Historical Centre. Normally open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm, Easter through to October. At other times by prior arrangement. The centre’s contact details are:

 Ross of Mull Historical Centre Millbrae Cottage Bunessan Isle of Mull   enquiries@romhc.org.uk

 The Centre’s website www.romhc.org.uk has information about its role and function along with its future plans and a short history of the areas, historic buildings and a genealogy section.

The Historical Centre published seven excellent walking guides of the area introducing history, geology, flora & fauna, wildlife and anecdotes of the local area. Some of the walks are way marked and cover the following areas: Creich (including Torr Mor Quarry, Fionnphort, & Kintra), Fidden (including Pottie), Uisken (including Knocknafenaig & Ardalanish), Ardfenaig (including Camas), Kilvickeon, Ardtun (including Knockan) and Bunessan (including Suidhe). At Seaview we have a reference set of the walking guides – copies are also available to buy should you wish to purchase any on your arrival. They are also available for purchase at Craignure Tourist Centre and in local shops on the island. The proceeds from the sale of the walking guides are used to help fund the Historical Centre. Both John and Jane are happy to help you decide the best walk for the day taking into account weather conditions, time and ability as well as provide you with tips to help your enjoyment of the walks as they have completed the majority of the walks themselves. Walks read more

 Ardalanish Weavers Mill Organic Farm,Ardalanish,Near Bunessan,Ross of Mull

  Ardalanish Organic Farm, overlooking Ardalanish Bay near Bunessan breeds Highland cattle and Hebridean sheep which are reared for organic meat and the sheep's' wool is used for weaving & knitwear. Ardalanish Farm lies in the remote south west corner of the Isle of Mull in the Inner Hebrides, extending west from the white sand of Ardalanish Bay. Native Kyloe Highland cattle and Hebridean sheep are reared on the farm and the sheep’s wool is used for weaving their unique and distinctive tweeds.

The farming practices at Ardalanish represent the belief of the owners in the primary importance of understanding the land and its needs and allowing ecological relationships to develop with animals that are already co-evolved with the environment. Along with the belief that the balance achieved with these methods produces a quality and an ethical standard which reflects the conditions that nature bestowed in this unique Hebridean landscape.

 About Isle of Mull Weavers

The original Isle of Mull Weavers was founded by Bob and Kathy Ryan in 1987, and when they decided to retire in 2003 Bob helped to move the 1920's and 1950's looms to Ardalanish.

 Working in this Hebridean landscape, using the natural black and brown wool of their own Hebridean sheep seemed like the most logical thing to do and so a new chapter began for the Isle of Mull Weavers. As well as their own wool the owners buy Hebridean, Shetland and Manx Loaghtan wool from across the Highlands & Islands of Scotland and occasionally from further South. The wool is sorted and graded at Ardalanish before being sent away for scouring in Yorkshire and then carding and spinning in the Scottish Borders. From there it is returned to Ardalanish for weaving before undergoing a final process of finishing in Galashiels. For Ardalanish, the production of textiles from British native breed wool is a step towards revitalising the traditional industry of weaving. The end product pays tribute to the sheep by making of their wool.

 The Next Chapter

On the 1st September 2011 Ardalanish was bought by Andrew and Anne Smith who previously farmed on the East coast of Scotland near Aberdeen. Although their idea was to find a smaller, quieter farm on the west coast, on their first visit to Ardalanish they fell in love with the area and committed themselves to taking on the farm and weaving mill. They are now learning all about weaving and the textile industry as well as continuing to farm the land and maintain the herd of Highland cattle and the flock of Hebridean sheep.

The beautiful colourful blankets in the guest bedrooms at Seaview come from here. Open to the public most days where their products and meat

produce can be purchased - further information can be found by contacting:

Andrew & Anne Smith, Ardalanish Farm & Weavers, Bunessan, Isle of Mull  | E: info@ardalanish.com  website read more

For other Historical subjects click the following links Historic Iona   Fionnphort and Tormore Quarry   Isle of Erraid

 Iona Heritage Centre: The Old Thomas Telford Church Manse

Iona Manse and Heritage Centre Don't dash past this lovely building on your way to the Abbey, drop by for half an hour and discover more about the island. Iona

Heritage Centre is located in a former manse in Baile Mor on the Isle of Iona (Argyll & Bute). Opened in 1990, the Centre provides a wealth of information about the secular history of the island with fascinating displays illustrating the islanders' lives over the last 200 years. The social and natural history of the island are revealed, with displays on the geology, fauna and flora of the area, art & celtic art, crofting, fishing, historical events and notable visitors. The manse is a substantial building, with two wings. It was built in 1828 with Iona Parish Church, one of thirty-two Parliamentary churches built across the Highlands and Islands to a design by engineer Thomas Telford (1757 - 1834). A Tea Room offers light snacks and refreshments throughout the day. Open 10.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. Monday-Saturday through the summer months. Admission charges apply; discounts for senior citizens, students, groups, under 12’s free. The Heritage Tearoom is also part of the centre, serving home made soup, freshly filed rolls, home baking, teas & coffees. Open Monday-Friday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For further information contact:

  our Iona pages read more

 

                                                               reserve accommodation

updated 30/03/2021

Seaview 2000-2021