Mull, Iona & Duart Castle
Our day started grey and wet as the Lord of the Glens sailed early out of Tobermory, Isle of Mull heading for the little village of Craignure at the other end of the Sound of Mull. Our objective was to connect with the coaches that would take us across the island and to the ferry across to Iona. En-route our local driver/guide gave an information packed but fun-filled commentary that really helped us appreciate and understand life on this Inner Hebridean island. Just over an hour after leaving Craignure we arrived at Fionnphort, the terminal for the 8-minute crossing to the tiny island of Iona, basking in the now breaking sunlight.
Iona is famous for its abbey, at one time in ruins but now fully restored, and an early arrival here, Colum Cille or St Columba. This early Celtic Christian saint arrived in Iona from Ireland in 563AD, established a monastic settlement there and subsequently went on to bring word of the new Christian religion to much of the rest of Scotland, England, and across Europe as far as Switzerland. Today the abbey is home to the international, non-denominational “Iona Community” that continues the work of St Columba but in a very modern way. Aside from the highly important history attached to the island, it is a place of great beauty and tranquility that can be enjoyed by everyone who visits whether or not they are involved in the Iona Community or interested in the abbey.
The island is also home to the elusive bird the Corncrake whose call was heard a few times during our visit but which, as usual, was not actually seen. Lunch was at the aptly named St Columba Hotel and consisted almost entirely of vegetables and ingredients grown on this deceptively fertile island.
The afternoon tour took us back to Mull and but a short distance from the ship where we visited the impressive Duart Castle, home of the Clan MacLean, sitting in a magnificent position high on the rocky crags (from which the castle takes its name) and overlooking all of the surrounding waterways and islands. By now the weather had improved considerably from that which welcomed the day and we were able to fully appreciate the wonderful scenery of this part of Scotland.
However the day was not over yet, oh no! After dinner we had visitors on board from “Wings Over Mull” a raptor rescue and treatment centre based not far from where the ship was docked. The owners, Richard and Sue, take care of many species of birds, including eagles, owls, hawks, etc. and have gained a high reputation for the sterling work they do in rehabilitating injured birds. They brought with them a few of their long-term patients who are used to being handled and are comfortable with making ‘guest appearances.’ Quite a sight to see these beautiful birds up close and flying around the lounge of the Lord of the Glens!
Could tomorrow be any better? We shall see.
