Mull's Myths and Magic

There was a bluster about today that we’d forgotten this Winter.
Not only was it pelting down with rain, but the wind had regained some of its lost vigour. We have been spoiled this Winter, as little rain has fallen for the past three months and it has seemed that Mother Nature’s bellows had run out of puff.


Mighty Oaks sheltered us on our walk to the Iron Age fort, in the hills above Salen. The trees were festooned with the natural art of a myriad of mosses and lichens, fascinating organisms that are among the oldest life forms known to man on Mull. We stopped to appreciate the colour, shape and texture of several species and to marvel at the ways that these versatile plants have been put to use by man for their purgative and astringent properties.

The climb to the fort is not arduous and the vistas are usually quite spectacular on a clear day, with views to Mull’s only Munro, Ben More, as well as Loch Frisa, the largest freshwater loch on the island. Today, the low, murky cloud shrouded our view back to the Sound of Mull and Aros Castle.

The full story of Mull’s human and natural history can be explored from the hill fort’s rocky terraces. Today, aided by the elements, the fort tried not to reveal its secrets, nor the surrounding landscape its magnificent splendour. However, the power of imagination should never be underestimated, for it often holds a key that will unlock such hidden treasures. We may not have seen all that we may have liked, yet in our mind’s eye we missed nothing. That is the myth and magic of Mull!

Today hasn’t been a day for taking photographs, but, in timeless Blue Peter fashion, please let us show you a couple that we made earlier. And, surprise, surprise there’s not a piece of sticky-backed plastic anywhere to be seen!