HOLIDAYMAKERS can travel to the same picturesque island, where Kate and Wills plan to spend their 14th wedding anniversary, for just £7.
The Prince and Princess of Wales are set to celebrate their marriage milestone on a picturesque Scottish island.
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William and Kate will travel to the Isle of Mull, off Scotland‘s west coast, for a two-day visit meeting craftspeople, farmers and residents.
The royal couple have been sweethearts for more than 20 years after meeting at the University of St Andrews in Fife, Scotland.
They tied the knot in Westminster Abbey on April 29 2011, with the aisle of the Gothic London church lined with trees.
William has a connection with the Isle of Mull because it is part of lands once ruled by the Lord of the Isles, one of a number of Scottish titles he inherited from his father when Charles became King.
When in Scotland, William and Kate are officially known by their Scottish titles, the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay.
They will begin their visit on April 29 in the town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull.
Tobermory is well-known as the filming location for the popular BBC children’s show Balamory.
During the visit, William and Kate’s Royal Foundation will announce a partnership to support and develop two community spaces across the island.
The visit aims to highlight the importance of protecting and championing the natural environment.
MULL
Mull is popular with tourists for its breath-taking views and spectacular untouched beaches, just am hour from Oban.
There are only around 3,000 people on the island, but many have set up small businesses to accommodate day-trippers.
Mull is also an easily accessible stopping point before heading on to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles.
Tobermory has been described as the town’s “jewel” and draws in hoards of visitors.
It’s colourful houses are a beloved memory for many who recognise them as the Balamory backdrop.
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Elsewhere on the island, tourists can soak up the local history while enjoying a gander around Mull Museum.
There’s also an aquarium for those nature lovers interested in the habitat’s wildlife.
Scotland’s west coast is home to around a quarter of the world’s species of whale, dolphin and porpoise.
From bottlenose dolphins to harbour porpoises and minke and killer whales, there are dozens of species for budding watchers to look out for in this stunning part of the world.
From the town’s picture-postcard harbour, Staffa Tours offers boat trips for whale-watching and for visits to nature-rich islands nearby and to the unique Fingal’s Cave on the Isle of Staffa itself.
Boat tours also operate from sites such as Gairloch, Ullapool and Tiree. But the beauty of the Whale Trail is you don’t have to be on the water to spot these magnificent beasts.
And nature lovers will not be disappointed by the region’s other offerings.
Seals and otters are everywhere, basking sharks also stalk the crystal-clear waters and magnificent white-tailed sea and golden eagles breed on Mull and further along the coast.
And don’t miss the chance to get within a few feet of hundreds of puffins on a Staffa Tours boat trip to the Isle of Lunga.
These beautiful, quirky birds are perfectly happy to have (quiet, well-behaved) humans near their nesting sites because nasty eagles and skuas — which steal their eggs and chicks — stay away with tourists around.
And for those who wish to experience the arts, Mull Theatre boasts a selection of award-winning shows.
Meanwhile Calgary also offers and arts hub, alongside stunning white sand beaches.
Calgary Arts displays a gallery exhibiting work from island artists.
Visitors can also stop off at the welcoming café serving locally sourced lunches.
But holidaymakers won’t be short of choice when it comes to food.
There are plenty of gourmet seafood restaurants on the island, as well as famous Isle of Mull Cheese.
The local produce is made by the last remaining traditional farmhouse cheese makers in the Hebridean Islands.
Nearby, visitors can also sample a sip of the finest whiskey at Tobermory Distillery.
Further inland, Am Birlinn restaurant near Dervaig is worth a visit, just a stone’s throw from the splendidly isolated Druimnacroish B&B — the perfect moorland hideaway for taking in the unsullied night sky above Mull.
Beach fans, meanwhile, will want to book into the Ardachy House Hotel near Uisken to make the most of the tourist-free sands just a few minutes’ walk through the farmer-next-door’s fields.
Ferry tickets to the island from Oban cost just £7 one-way from the start of May, for foot passengers.
For more information visit see calmac.co.uk.
Island activities
- Staffa National Nature Reserve
- Wildlife Isle of Mull
- Ross of Mull Historical Society
- Calgary Arts, Cafe & Self Catering
- Isle of Mull Cheese
- Ardalanish Isle of Mull Weavers
- Tobermory Distillery
GETTING THERE: The ferry from Oban to Craignure, Mull, runs hourly in summer. Best to book. For foot passengers a ticket one-way is just £7 from May. A car plus family of four is from £24.85 one way. See calmac.co.uk
STAYING THERE: Druimnacroish B&B prices from £75 per night per room. See druimnacroish.co.uk; Ardachy House Hotel prices from £170 per room for two nights. Visit ardachy.co.uk
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