Ross of Mull Historical Centre Location

The Ross of Mull Historical Centre is located in Bunessan on the Isle of Mull on the A849 30 miles from Craignure, where the Oban ferry arrives, and 60 miles from Tobermory.

The Ross of Mull. ('Ross' - Scots, peninsula of land)

The Ross is situated in the south west of the Isle of Mull, in the Inner Hebrides off Scotland's West coast. This picturesque peninsula of land measures approximately 23 miles in length east to west and roughly 2 to 6 miles north to south.

The economy, with a steady population of approximately 700 inhabitants, is based around crofting, farming, fishing, service industries and tourism. Many crofters take on additional work in order to create an income.

The population (with migrant visitors and workers) of the area supports a number of food stores,  sub post offices,  hardware stores, hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs. There are three community halls which are used regularly by the many community groups and organisations which are active here for fundraising and social events. There is one primary school and one pre-five unit. The local economy is seasonally boosted by tourism.

Gaelic was at one time the first language of the island, sadly now only a handful of the residents are fluent Gaelic speakers although efforts are being made to revive the language, a Gaelic playgroup has recently been started to compliment the well established English speaking playgroup, and numerous Gaelic courses are held throughout the whole Island.

Housing is concentrated around the two villages of Fionnphort and Bunessan but there are many crofts and cottages scattered throughout the length and breadth of the Ross. The community is vibrant although widespread, with a mixture of all ages and origins, but there is a deep sense of the culture, heritage and community on the Ross.

The landscape is dramatic. The Island’s only Munro, Ben More is visible from all over the Ross as is the impressive Burg which contributes to the separation of the North and South of the Island. Geologists worldwide have visited the Ross of Mull to study the unique geological formations for example the renowned fossil beds of Ardtun. Here on the Ross we can boast of many fine sandy beaches and sheltered coves.

The landscape is scattered with the ruins of crofting townships which are a stark reminder of the density with which the area was once populated. There are also many sights of archaeological significance dating back to all ages of human occupation of the land telling us visible stories, through the many duns which scatter the coastline, and show the lengths the inhabitants had to go to in order to defend their homes.