Mull magic
Just spent a few days on Mull, reviewing our very successful programme there. Lots of exciting ideas for 2007 resulting - so watch our for website updates in the coming weeks.
Was also priviliged to follow in the footsteps of many of the first tourists to Scotland and visit Staffa and Fingal’s cave. Despite a choppy sea on the way out the truly awe-inspiring sight of the cave and then the landing and walk along the basalt columns to enter the cave itself certainly ranks amongst my top things to do in Scotland. What was even more fascinating was when, a little later in the tourist office, I came across a book with pictures of Victorian tourists on the very rocks where we had been standing. Queen Victoria, Tennyson, Jules Verne, Walter Scott, JM Turner, Robert Louis Stevenson and of course Mendelssohn…..
We also added yet another deserted sandy beach to my collection - this time at Port na Bhan - watch out for this and other additions to Robert’s recommendations….
Tobermory itself never ceases to impress. On a late afternoon stroll along the seafront we reflected on the good quality shops (without too much tartan tat), atmospheric bars, increasing number of decent restaurants and of course the unique setting of the village. It is almost a blueprint of how Scottish villages should work best balancing the needs of locals and tourists.
Mull is also blessed with an incredible array and concentration of wildlife. The latest addition to my personal collection of Scottish wildlife experiences came on our Wildlife safari when the eight of us were lucky enough to spend around half an hour watching THREE golden eagles - an adult female and her youngster plus another curious juvenile interloper. They soared and swooped so acrobatically in plain view fo rus over a loch side mountain- almost aware that they were entertaining us.
Yes 3 days reminding me why I do what I do - trying to share a little more of this country with visitors.
Robert Kidd is a founding director with his wife