Duart Castle on an Island of Adventure in Scotland

The Isle of Mull in Scotland is in the center of a group of small islands and a visit to this magical place is a not to be missed adventure. Mull has the greatest biodiversity in Scotland, with rugged mountains, sandy beaches and high sea cliffs. It is the natural habitat of the golden eagle, the rare white-tailed sea eagle, otters, seals, dolphins and whales.

The main town of Tobermory is one of the prettiest places in the Hebrides. Though just 2700 people live on Mull, the pubs are alive with fun and laughter every evening. There is always something happening here, from Food festivals to Music Festivals, Tobermory Games and Mull Rally to filming of the BBC children’s TV series Balamory. There are host of activities for kids too, including a Treasure Hunt or Quest organized by locals to create a spirit of adventure.

Most of the Island however is secluded and one can enjoy its peace and quiet and go for walks on the many nature trails. There is also a reserve for birds of prey called Wings over Mull that is worth visiting. The three hundred mile long coastline offers many opportunities to observe sea animals, to swim or just relax on the powder white sands.

The biggest attraction is however Duart Castle, the ancestral home of the Clan Maclean. It was immortalized on celluloid by Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta Jones in the film ‘Entrapment’. The castle stands on a crag on the sound of Mull and has a spectacular view of the surrounding country. One of the most outstanding castles in Scotland on the west coast, Duart was used as a garrison for the army in the eighteenth century.

It fell into ruin till it was purchased in 1910 by Sir Fitzroy Maclean, 26th chief of the clan who was determined to restore it. Today the restored castle is open to visitors who can see the main state rooms, dungeons and admire the view from the top. The current chief Sir Lachlan Maclean planted the Millennium Woods in 2000 with trees and shrubs indigenous to Argyll.