Calgary

We thought we would explore the North West corner of Mull today and pinpointed Calgary as our destination. Calgary is a hamlet on the north west coast of Mull, in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It was the origin of the name of Fort Calgary in Canada, which became the city of Calgary, Alberta.

The route we decided on was along the east coast past Craignure and up to Salen. Then across country to Killiechronan and on up the coast , skirting Loch na Keal, until we reached Calgary. As we drove up the east coast alongside the Sound Of Mull, the mist was hanging over the water making a great image of this boat.

Now this sign amused me a lot! Maybe 20mph or 30mph but 21!!

The fog disperses on the Sound Of Mull.

The first impression we had of Calgary, as we parked our car. Just a huge almost deserted beach with mist still lingering on the hills in the background.

Calgary Art In Nature was set up in 1999. Its aim was to site pieces of sculpture within the woodland at Calgary that will provoke and enlighten a general awareness of art in nature.

From their web site: Our woodland is not a truly natural wood. We see the great beauty of nature in the rocks, trees, flowers, in the sea, in sunshine and shadows. And yet the trees were planted and tended, people have worked the wood and surrounding land for hundreds of years.

It is wonderful to wander through the woods here and see the results of peoples imagination. Well worth seeing.

More of the works of art around the site.

Back at our cottage that evening, we were treated to the sight of these Red Deer peacefully grazing in front of our cottage.

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To the Isle of Ulva

The Isle of Ulva was our destination today, which meant a trip to the North West of Mull, passing Lock na Keal on the way. Although it might be said that `one Lock looks like another`, the scenery is so peaceful that I never tire of the solitude and the feeling of `closeness` to nature.

Two images taken of Loch na Keal on our way to the ferry

Ulva is privately owned by the Howard family and was formerly the home of 600 people who made their living from the collection and exportation of kelp. Today there are 11 residents who make a living from sheep and cattle farming, fish farming, oyster farming and tourism. 

Ulva is a privately owned island with a thriving population of approximately 16 people who are involved variously in traditional sheep and cattle farming, fish farming, oyster farming and tourism. Ulva was formerly the home of 600 people who made their living from the collection and exportation of kelp. 

There are no tarmac roads on Ulva, so no cars, just the 4 wheel cross country bikes used by all inhabitants, young and old. The proprietors (the Howard family) are dedicated to creating a balance between the needs of the community and the preservation of one of Scotland’s most unique, beautiful and accessible islands. 

As can be seen, the distance to Ulva is not great! And yes, that is our ferry awaiting us.

The view from Ulva back to Mull.

Now this I thought was funny. To summon the ferry from the other side you Just pushed the slider across to reveal the red square. Someone presumable was keeping an `eye out` to alert the ferryman!. Much more reliable than modern technology!

Did not see anything out of the ordinary to photograph on Uva, it was just a really pleasant and peaceful walk, wondering what it would be like to live there? However, back on Mull, these Highland cattle made a picture, I thought.

On the drive home, this caught my eye. One ancient, abandoned cottage which I think was near Salen. A place to visit another day, I think.

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Our arrival in Mull

This was a holiday we had looked forward to for a long time, having spoken several times of visiting the isles of Scotland. So here we were about to spend a week on Mull. Having spent the night in an hotel on the banks of Lock Lomond, we set of today for the Oban ferry.
We sailed from Oban (above) on the mainland to Craignure on our Mull adventure. The weather looking rather gloomy and misty but the 45 min. passed quickly before we arrived in Craignure in like style - misty and murky!

After a short drive, we arrived at our holiday destination, Ardura Cottage. We were just a short drive south of Craignure, with rolling hills behind us, and set for the week. Only a few mosquitoes in sight - thankfully!

Next morning , more of the same mist, but not downhearted, we set off for ...

You guessed - Tobermory!

On the way we had to stop and photograph these old hulks of fishing vessels.

And arrived in the now famous town with it`s wonderfully coloured waterfront houses. Despite the unhelpful dull weather, it still looked as I had envisioned it. 

Tobermory owes its origins to the British Fisheries Society and their search for likely sites for fishing communities in western Scotland in the 1700s. The Society's agent, John Knox, visited Mull in 1786 and proposed making use of the superb natural harbour for such a community. The name comes from the Gaelic tobar-mhoire which translates as "Mary's Well", after an ancient holy well dedicated to the Virgin Mary in what is now the upper part of the village. 

Today Tobermory, the undisputed island capital of Mull, has a population of just over 1,000 people. These days it is perhaps best known for its connections with children's TV. First it had a Womble named after it, while a little more recently it was used as the setting for the BBC children's series Balamory. 

This turned Tobermory into a place of pilgrimage for many young fans and their parents. Although filming stopped in 2005, the appearance of the series on DVD means it still pays to book your accommodation and ferry tickets ahead if you intend to visit. 

Tobermory wraps around the bay that led to its construction. It faces south east into the Sound of Mull, and is additionally protected by Calve Island which half encloses the bay. Main Street hugs the harbour, with additional development on the hillside behind. 

Tobermory's most distinctive feature lies in the brightly painted frontages of many of its buildings. The pink, yellow and blue run of the three buildings centered on the Mishnish Hotel near the south east end of the harbour was for many years the most striking segment. In 2006 the palette changed, with the Mishnish being painted a more traditional black and its previously bright pink neighbour being toned down. The Mishnish Hotel has been returned to its earlier yellow since our most recent visit, and Tobermory has returned to being the brightest and one of the most attractive harboursides in Scotland. 

Rusty chains on the waterfront

The ever present gull watches over proceedings, no doubt anticipating some lunch.

I just loved the patterns of these 

Later in the day, when we were back at our cottage, we decided to have a stroll along the nearby lanes. The butterfly above took our attention and a reasonable image taken. It is in fact a Small Argent & Sable (Epirrhoe tristate)

This was the beautiful scene behind our cottage as the sunlight slid across the hills.

We were later treated to a display, as a local farmer rounded up his sheep in the field opposite the cottage.

Next morning we set off to explore, and headed for Carsaig, having enjoyed views over Loch Scridain on the way, before turning at Pennyghael, for our destination. 

And then onto Carsaig Bay a cove on the Ross of Mull in the south of the island of Mull. It is situated along a "narrow unclassified road". The bay is small and is surrounded by high, precipitous hills - the approach was so steep that Rosey preferred to walk down while I brought the car! It is unsafe for water craft, except in the part sheltered by the island of Gamhnach Mhòr, where small vessels can obtain anchorage.

Unsure sheep on the way!

Masses of sea weed on side of Loch Scridain

The reader - seen in a remote corner of Carsaig bay, taking in the peace and quiet - until we arrived. There are some interesting rock features nearby, but the very rough terrain and high tide made walking to them, out of the question. Anyway, a great place for lunch.

The Maclean coat of arms on a run down and isolated building near Carsaig.

Clan MacLean is a Highland Scottish clan. They are one of the oldest clans in the Highlands and owned large tracts of land in Argyll as well as the Inner Hebrides. Many early MacLeans became famous for their honour, strength and courage in battle. They were involved in clan skirmishes with the Mackinnons, Camerons, MacDonalds and Campbells, as well as all of the Jacobite risings.

Although the usual fanciful pedigrees locates the clan originally 150 miles north east at Glen Urquhart in Moray, the Macleans are from the west coast island of Mull. 

I was pleased to find this old coat of arms in this deserted spot.

Boat reflections - Carsaig Bay 

A bridge near Pennyghael, visited on the way back home.

And last for the day - a view along Glen More



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The wedding of Naomi and Daniel

Naomi and Daniel married in Peterborough today with the reception held in the town center. We stayed the night, before `seeing them off` the next morning. As is usual with these occasions, it was a good time to catch up with all the relatives who we had lost contact with. So, onto the day.

So, firstly, the bride`s car arrives at the church gates.

Naomi is helped from the car and dress re-arranged to look at her best. She looked stunning anyway.

  

Bridesmaids and Maids of Honour arrive in a stretch limo.

  

.... and then pose at the gate together.

The bride joins the group to complete the picture.

 .... before dad takes charge prior to leading her into church and up to the altar

Ceremony over, and the happy couple emerge from the church.

Giving each other the customary kiss for the photographer.

 

Then a few more photos.

A brief glimpse of the general melee around the porch door as the photographer arranges everyone.

Proud father Danny with his friend Catherine

..... and then with Rosey, his sister.

Couldn`t resist this piece of symmetry in the car wheels.

And so into the car, for the journey to the reception

What intricate work in the dress!. Shame you wear them only once!

The wedding cake, but another one appeared as well [below] signifying the work they both do as paramedics. What a great idea.

A general view of the reception meal.

  Melody, the bride's sister, who looks happy for her young sibling

And lastly the father of the bride making his speech. Well done Danny, it was a great day and we all wish them every happiness in the future. Sure, it will have its ups and down. That`s how life is.

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