Isle of Mull, Torosay & Tobermory
Sheltered from the strong winds coming in on a front, the Lord of the Glens remained moored off the main street in Tobermory while we drove east following the shoreline towards Torosay Castle. As we departed, the sun was already peeking through the clouds. This is a town where a children’s television show called “Balamory” was once filmed and to a certain extent still looked like a set – bright-painted building-fronts added vibrancy to the very air.
Once at Torosay Castle we realized it was an extraordinary place. The building has a history of changing ownership through the decades. This year they celebrate their 150th anniversary and the mansion is in wonderful condition due to much effort, both emotional and financial, from the James family. The present owner, Jacquetta James, was kind enough to escort us through many of the rooms and share with us some personal insights and memories. What a treat! As well, the interior is extremely welcoming, with signs indicating that the sofas are for use, so rest your feet! The history…well, you’ll have to come and see, as it is intricate and entertaining and deserves time to tell.
The gardens are exquisite and date from Sir Robert Lorimer at the turn of last century. Since then they have been improved upon, and exotics easily confuse the layman during attempts at identification. California redwoods reside by Chilean Gunnera manicata around the pond!
The afternoon was open to enjoy the town of Tobermory. The shops were open, the sun was shining, the reflection was perfect. Fishing vessels and yachts shared the protected harbor because of the strong winds still forming whitecaps out beyond the point. However the movement made the ensigns dance and the masts bob, enlivening the waterfront no end. Some of us hiked a good distance around the bay of Tobermory while others ambled along the streets of town and savored the chocolate shop delicacies, or had tea, an afternoon tradition.
After dinner we gathered in the lounge of the ship for a very special invitation that had put out to an organization known as “Wings Over Mull”. This group of very dedicated individuals rescues injured birds of prey (or breeds them in captivity) and trains them for presentations in order to educate the rest of us as to their importance in life. It is a rare occasion indeed when we can gaze into the eyes of one of these magnificent creatures at a few inches distance. Admiration and awe was to be had tonight, for both the birds and their caretakers!
Sheltered from the strong winds coming in on a front, the Lord of the Glens remained moored off the main street in Tobermory while we drove east following the shoreline towards Torosay Castle. As we departed, the sun was already peeking through the clouds. This is a town where a children’s television show called “Balamory” was once filmed and to a certain extent still looked like a set – bright-painted building-fronts added vibrancy to the very air.
Once at Torosay Castle we realized it was an extraordinary place. The building has a history of changing ownership through the decades. This year they celebrate their 150th anniversary and the mansion is in wonderful condition due to much effort, both emotional and financial, from the James family. The present owner, Jacquetta James, was kind enough to escort us through many of the rooms and share with us some personal insights and memories. What a treat! As well, the interior is extremely welcoming, with signs indicating that the sofas are for use, so rest your feet! The history…well, you’ll have to come and see, as it is intricate and entertaining and deserves time to tell.
The gardens are exquisite and date from Sir Robert Lorimer at the turn of last century. Since then they have been improved upon, and exotics easily confuse the layman during attempts at identification. California redwoods reside by Chilean Gunnera manicata around the pond!
The afternoon was open to enjoy the town of Tobermory. The shops were open, the sun was shining, the reflection was perfect. Fishing vessels and yachts shared the protected harbor because of the strong winds still forming whitecaps out beyond the point. However the movement made the ensigns dance and the masts bob, enlivening the waterfront no end. Some of us hiked a good distance around the bay of Tobermory while others ambled along the streets of town and savored the chocolate shop delicacies, or had tea, an afternoon tradition.
After dinner we gathered in the lounge of the ship for a very special invitation that had put out to an organization known as “Wings Over Mull”. This group of very dedicated individuals rescues injured birds of prey (or breeds them in captivity) and trains them for presentations in order to educate the rest of us as to their importance in life. It is a rare occasion indeed when we can gaze into the eyes of one of these magnificent creatures at a few inches distance. Admiration and awe was to be had tonight, for both the birds and their caretakers!
