The Local Area

Dervaig is located at the head of loch Cuin between Tobermory and Calgary Bay and renowned to be one of the prettiest villages on the island. Founded in the late 18th century, Dervaig was built by the laird, MacLean of Coll, to provide accommodation for the Quinnish Estate.

Previously best known as being the home of the Mull Little Theatre - the smallest professional theatre in Britain and the village church (the spire of which looks like a sharpened pencil), is the only Irish towered chapel in Scotland.  On the whole, Dervaig is an ideal rural retreat and convenient base for touring and exploring around Mull.

• explore the stunning scenery out towards Quinnish point
• discover Criog harbour, home to otters and other wildlife
• local departure point for boat tours to Staffa (Fingals cave), Ulva and Iona
• spectacular spot for watching the sunset over neighbouring Hebridean islands
• venture out to the Trishnish isles (seals and puffin colonies)
• follow woodland trails and mountain biking routes to visit the standing stones nearby

Calgary Bay, famous for its white sandy beach and turquoise waters which visitors to the island will not want to miss. Calgary in Canada takes its name from here, not the other way round. A commissioner of the Canadian Mounties had been a guest in Calgary Castle, and enjoyed the visit so much that when he returned to Canada he named one of the outposts established by the Mounties, “Fort Calgary” which grew into Calgary, Alberta as we know it today!

Not far away, Tobermory lies to the north east of the island with distinctively colour painted buildings lined around the sheltered horseshoe bay. Now famed as the location where the Children’s’ TV show “Balamory” was filmed, families can tour round the main characters houses e.g. Spencer the Painter, PC Plum, Josie Jump, Miss Hoolie, Archie and Edie McCredie. Alternatively a visit to the Mull pottery, Tobermory handmade chocolate shop, the Mull Art gallery, silversmith’s, Tobermory Distillery or various shops & café’s can always fill a wet day!