Tobermory, Mull facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tobermory
|
|
|---|---|
 Tobermory waterfront |
|
 Tobermory
|
|
| Population | 1,000 (2020) |
| OS grid reference | NM504551 |
| • Edinburgh | 120 mi (193 km) |
| • London | 427 mi (687 km) |
| Civil parish |
|
| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | ISLE OF MULL |
| Postcode district | PA75 |
| Dialling code | 01688 |
| Police | Strathclyde |
| Fire | Strathclyde |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
|
| Scottish Parliament | |
Tobermory is a colourful town on the Isle of Mull in Scotland. It is the main town on the island, located on the east coast, close to the northern entrance of the Sound of Mull. Tobermory was started in 1788 as a fishing port. Its design was planned by a famous engineer named Thomas Telford. In 2022, about 1,045 people lived there. You might know Tobermory because it was the setting for the children's TV show Balamory.
Contents
What Does Tobermory Mean?
The name Tobermory comes from the Gaelic words Tobar Mhoire. This means "Mary's well". The name refers to a well nearby that was dedicated a long time ago to the Virgin Mary.
Discovering Ancient Tobermory
Scientists have dug up old sites just outside Tobermory. These digs helped us learn about people who lived there long ago.
Early Settlements and Buildings
- Sixth Century Farm: The first people lived here around the 500s. They had a farm settlement.
- Seventh Century Christian Community: Later, in the 600s, a Christian group moved in. They built a chapel and a cemetery.
- Later Structures: Over the centuries, different buildings were put up. These included a longhouse or hall made of stone and turf.
- Wattle and Turf Building: In the late 1200s or early 1300s, a building made of woven branches and turf was built. This building later burned down.
- New Stone Structure: A new stone and turf building replaced it. People used this building on and off from the 1500s to the 1800s.
These discoveries show that people have lived and worked in the Tobermory area for over 1,000 years. This was long before the town we know today was founded. The site is now a protected historical place.
Tobermory's Fascinating History
Tobermory has many interesting stories, including tales of hidden treasure and brave divers.
The Mystery of the Spanish Galleon
Legend says that a Spanish galleon ship, full of gold, sank in Tobermory Bay. The ship's real name and what it carried are still debated.
- The Story: Some say it was the Florencia from the defeated Spanish Armada in 1588. This ship supposedly stopped in Tobermory for supplies.
- The Sinking: After an argument about payment, or perhaps a witch's spell, the ship caught fire. Its gunpowder magazine exploded, sinking the vessel.
- Hidden Treasure: People believed it held £300,000 worth of gold.
- Other Ideas: Other records suggest the ship was the San Juan de Sicilia. This ship carried soldiers, not treasure.
- The Truth: No major treasure has ever been found in Tobermory Bay.
Attempts to Find the Treasure
People have tried to find the sunken treasure for centuries.
- Early Divers: In the 1600s, people used diving bells to search. They found some brass and iron cannons, but not the gold.
- Modern Searches: In 1950, the Duke of Argyll worked with the British Admiralty to find the galleon. They didn't find the treasure, but they developed new equipment. This equipment is still used today to find old sunken ships.
Tobermory During World War II
During the Second World War, Tobermory was a important training base for the Royal Navy. It was called HMS Western Isles. It was led by a famous officer, Sir Gilbert Stephenson, who was known as the "Terror of Tobermory".
.jpg)
What to See and Do in Tobermory
Tobermory is a popular place to visit, with many colourful buildings and fun attractions.
Main Street and Attractions
- Colourful Buildings: Many buildings on Main Street are painted in bright colours. This makes the town very pretty and a great place for TV shows.
- Mull Museum: You can learn about the island's history at the Mull Museum.
- Tobermory Distillery: Visit the Tobermory whisky distillery to see how whisky is made.
- Mull Aquarium: This is Europe's first "catch and release" aquarium. You can see local sea creatures before they are returned to the ocean.
- Clock Tower: The clock tower on the harbour wall is a well-known landmark.
- Arts and Theatre: Tobermory has an arts centre, An Tobar. It works with Mull Theatre to offer many performances and workshops.
- Boat Tours: You can take boat tours from Tobermory to visit the Treshnish Isles and the famous Fingal's Cave on Staffa.
Famous People from Tobermory
Many interesting people have connections to Tobermory.
- Isabella Bird: She was a famous Victorian traveller and writer. She often stayed in Tobermory, where her sister lived. She even helped the local doctor. When her sister died, Isabella paid for the clock tower to be built in her memory.
- The MacIntyre Family: Three generations of this family are well-known.
- Colin MacIntyre is a singer-songwriter.
- Kenny Macintyre is a sports broadcaster for BBC Scotland.
- His father, Kenny Macintyre, was a political journalist for BBC Scotland.
- George Ritchie Thomson: He was a military surgeon born in Tobermory in 1865.
Fun Events in Tobermory
Tobermory hosts several exciting events throughout the year.
- Mendelssohn on Mull Festival: This festival celebrates the composer Felix Mendelssohn's visit to the area in 1829.
- Traditional Music Festival: Held every year on the last weekend of April, this festival celebrates traditional music.
- Local Mòd: In September, Tobermory hosts a Mòd, which is a festival of Scottish Gaelic music and culture.
- Mull Fiddler's Rally: Also in September, this event brings together fiddlers from all over.
- Mull Highland Games: Every summer, you can enjoy traditional Highland Games, with events like caber tossing and dancing.
Tobermory in Books and TV
Tobermory has inspired many stories and shows.
- When Eight Bells Toll: The fictional town of Torbay in Alistair MacLean's novel When Eight Bells Toll was based on Tobermory. Parts of the 1971 movie were filmed there.
- Saki's Short Story: The writer Saki named a cat that could speak English "Tobermory" in one of his famous short stories.
- The Wombles: Elisabeth Beresford named one of The Wombles characters "Tobermory".
- Balamory: The town was the setting for the popular children's TV series Balamory from 2002 to 2005.
- I Know Where I'm Going!: The 1945 movie I Know Where I'm Going! was filmed in the area.
- Bertie Plays the Blues: In the book series by Alexander McCall Smith, a set of triplets are named Tobermory, Rognvald, and Fergus.
- Nocturna: In the animated movie Nocturna, the Cat Shepherd's loyal cat is named Tobermory.
Getting to Tobermory
Tobermory is connected to the mainland by ferries.
- Local Ferry: Ferries sail between Tobermory and Kilchoan on the Ardnamurchan peninsula.
- Main Route: The main way for visitors to reach the island is by ferry between Oban and Craignure. Craignure is about 22 miles (35 km) from Tobermory.
- Other Ferry: Another ferry sails between Lochaline on the mainland and Fishnish.
See also
In Spanish: Tobermory para niños
