Salen, Mull facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Salen
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 Houses in Salen |
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 Salen
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| Population | 500 (1991) |
| OS grid reference | NM5743 |
| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | ISLE OF MULL |
| Postcode district | PA72 |
| Dialling code | 01680 |
| Police | Strathclyde |
| Fire | Strathclyde |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament | |
Salen (pronounced SAY-len) is a small, friendly village located on the beautiful Isle of Mull in Scotland. It sits on the eastern side of the island, right by the Sound of Mull. Salen is about halfway between two other well-known places, Craignure and Tobermory. Its full Scottish Gaelic name, 'Sàilean Dubh Chaluim Chille', means 'the little black bay of St Columba'. Back in 1991, about 500 people lived here.
Contents
A Look Back in Time
Until the early 1800s, Salen was just a simple crossroads. It wasn't a village yet.
How Salen Started
A local landowner, Lachlan Macquarie, saw a great opportunity. He thought building a village and a harbour here would be good for business. This spot was the closest point on the Sound of Mull to his lands. That's how Salen began to grow into the village we know today.
A Visit from St. Columba
Long ago, Saint Columba himself visited Salen. He was a very important Irish missionary. Stories say he preached from a rocky spot behind what is now the Salen Hotel.
Getting Around Salen
Salen has always been a place connected by travel.
Past Ferry Services
Years ago, the mailboat from Oban to Mull used to stop at Salen pier. This was on its way to Tobermory. But things changed in 1964. Newer, bigger ferries needed larger piers.
Craignure Becomes Main Hub
Craignure became the main ferry port on the island. This was because of its central location. It was easy for visitors to reach both Tobermory and Iona from there. This change meant that Salen was no longer a stop for the mailboat.
Local Roads
Today, a smaller road branches off from Salen. This road leads towards Gruline and other interesting places on the west side of Mull.
