Go green out in the Hebrides ... on Mull

Discovering beautiful, unspoilt, untouristy places to visit can have a downside. The fact that we are visiting can destroy the very things we love about them.

That is why sustainable and green tourism is so important. Sustainable tourism operates in a way which will not harm the natural or built environment, and will support economic and social development.

And on the Hebridean island of Mull, on the western shoulder of Scotland, they are great pioneers of sustainable and ecotourism.

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Justly proud of the beautiful island, the islanders and tourist boards have many initiatives to encourage those in the tourist industry to be green. These include the Mull Eco Charter and the Green Tourism Business Sceme.

VisitScotland tailors its marketing campaign to encourage a spread of visitors throughout the year. They also promote Greener accommodation – where all accommodation providers minimise their waste, energy and water use; and also have developed the Green Tourism Business Scheme. By staying in places, visiting attractions and using tour operators that are part of these schemes, you are helping to preserve the places you are enjoying.

Mull is an ideal place for eco friendly tourism. from sailing, walking, birdwatching and marine life spotting - all with low carbon footprints!

And to add to the green holiday, taking the train to get to Mull instead of driving is best. The journey itself is part of the holiday, with train journeys through some stunning scenery, past castles and lochs, waterfalls and cathedrals.

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And when you do finally leave the ferry and step foot on the island, the public transport is well organised, with buses to whisk you to your chosen spot.

Tobermory (‘Tobar-mhoire’ translates as Mary's Well), is the largest town on Mull and a good place to use as a base. Brightly painted houses cluster around the harbourside and picturesque boats bob on the water.

Tobermory is well known to fans of the children’s programme Balamory, which is filmed there and also has the distinction of having a womble named after it. Main street is home to Mull Museum, a Chandler, cafes and the islands only bank.

It also home to the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT). They point out that Mull has been a leader in developing marine wildlife tourism for over 10 years. It was the first place in the UK to see the start of commercial whale watching. The Mull Cetacean Project was set up by Richard Fairbairns after observing minke whales around the Mull coast.

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From this point Mull has led the field in raising the profile of UK whales and dolphins around the world and is now one of the UK premier whale watching sites. This adds support to the anti-whaling lobby, with the simple financial and moral message that these animals are now worth more to us alive than dead.

To enjoy the wildlife and scenery there are a wide range of trips to choose from. Hebridean Adventure Wildlife Cruises, on a lovely sailing boat, the Solais Na Mara, leave from Tobermory harbour. Tours last three hours and stay in the Sound of Mull but you are still likely to spot dolphins, basking sharks and birdlife.

For a more informative and widespread tour, you could try Sea Life Surveys. They take out smallish groups so you need to book. They have 25 years experience, with qualified guides and various boats to suit all needs, from a 30 minute seal cruise to a six hour wildlife safari.

If you want to explore the interior of Mull and not the sea, then there are lots of safari and wildlife tours too. These include Isle of Mull Wildlife Expeditions, led by one of Scotland's top wildlife guides, David Woodhouse. who has blazed the trail in wildlife watching for over twenty five years. His enthusiasm and love for the island and eco-tourism is infectious. The Island of Mull is one of the most diverse wildlife destinations in the world and his trips are designed to maximise your chances of seeing golden eagles, otters, white tailed sea eagles, porpoise, hen harriers and other Hebridean wildlife. There are no set routes for the expeditions as the weather and current wildlife hotspots dictate the day. When relaxing in Tobermory after a hard day’s whale watching, or looking for variation, Ledaig distillery and the An Tobar Arts Centre, with live music, cafe , shop and exhibitions are also worth a visit.

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There are many other towns and places on Mull to enjoy, such as Duart Castle. A dedicated bus from the ferry port at Craignure waits to take visitors there. The castle, dating from the 14th century, is in a stunning location. It stands on a crag at the end of the peninsular jutting out into the Sound of Mull at the intersection of the sound of Mull, Loch Linne and the Firth of Lorne. It is the home of the Clan McLean and attracts visitors of the McLean family from over the world seeking their roots.

Restoration work was begun at the castle in 1991 and today it is open to the public who can walk through the dungeons and state rooms, ending on the top of the keep to enjoy the magnificent views.

To get back to Craignure you can walk, take the return bus or catch a miniature railway. train. The railway is 1 miles (2 km) and operates steam and diesel hauled trains. If you use the bus, you could ask to be dropped at the Wings Over Mull bird sanctuary or Torosay Castle.

Wings over Mull opened in July 2001 and is home to birds of prey from across the globe, with daily flying displays and a visitors’ centre.

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Torosay Castle was completed in 1858 by the architect David Bryce in the Scottish Baronial style.

Walk around the intimate and informative rooms and learn about David Guthrie James' life which includes sailing in one of the last Windjammers, successful escape from P.O.W. camp and polar exploration.

Torosay also has 12 acres of gardens and even at the teashop’s outdoor tables you can get close to nature, feeding the very friendly chaffinches who perch hopefully on the tables and eye up your scones. So if its an eco friendly, wildlife spotting break you are after, with lots of history and scenery too, then head up to Mull and meet the locals - in their many species and variety!n Call 0845 22 55 121 to order your free copy of The Green Guide, which details around 400 environmentally aware places to stay and visitor attractions throughout Scotland. For more information, go to www.greentourism.org.uk

n www.visitscotland.com Tel: 0845 22 55 121

n Hebridean Adventure Wildlife Cruises: Morning cruises operate June July August, afternoon cruises operate from mid may to late september. Not suitable for children under 10. Reduction for aged 10-16 years. It is also possible to get a package from Oban. Information and booking is through the Calmac offices: 01688 302 017

Mobile: 0781 068 2700 www.hebrideanadventure.co.uk

Factfile

Sea Life Surveys.

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Telephone: 01688 302916 www.sealifesurveys.com [email protected]

Isle of Mull Wildlife Expeditions. Cost is 35.50 for adults, 32.50 for children under 12. Coffee snack and picnic lunch included. Special Winter Wildlife Package 1st November – 1st March Telephone: 01688 500121

Oban Tourist Information, Argyll Square, Oban, Argyll PA34 4AT Tel: 01631 563122

Duart Castle: Isle of Mull Argyll Scotland PA64 6AP Tel / Fax: +44 1680 812 309 www.duartcastle.com

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n Torosay Castle & Gardens: www.holidaymull.org/members/torosay 01680 812 421

Mull railway Tel +44 (0)1680 812494 / Fax +44 (0)1680 300595 Email: [email protected]

Wings over Mull: Auchnacroish House, Torosay, Craignure, Isle of Mull PA65 6AY Tel/Fax: 01680 812594 email: [email protected]

Getting to TOBERMORY

The journey is a long but very enjoyable and beautiful one, with stunning scenery. The first stage is Sheffield to Edinburgh, on Virgin Trains (this service will be run by Arriva after 11 Nov 2007). The journey takes around three and a half hours, with views of Durham Castle and Lindisfarne. www.virgintrains.co.uk

for more information or ring 08457 222 333

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Next is Edinburgh to Glasgow Queen Street (about an hour), then Glasgow Queen Street to Oban (about 3 and a half hours). These trains are run by the FirstScotrail West Highland line www.firstscotrail.com

From Oban take the Calmac ferry to Craignure on Mull (40 minutes) Calmac ferries 08705 650 000 www.calmac.co.uk

The ferry is met by buses. Bowmans Coaches service 495 goes from Craignure to Tobermory (about 1 hour)

Tel: 01680 812 313