The Prince and Princess of Wales have chosen the ideal week for a staycation. During this unseasonal weather the royals are in Scotland as part of a tour of the Isle of Mull. No doubt it will put the picturesque island in the Inner Hebrides on the map. Especially as the couple were pictured here during their wedding anniversary — with yesterday marking 14 years since they tied the knot at Westminster Abbey.
The pair were met by over 200 locals as they arrived in the centre of the capital, Tobermory, with the trip marking the first time the Princess has been on an overnight engagement since her cancer treatment.
While until now she hasn’t strayed far from Windsor, the Princess has spoken of nature being a tonic during her remission, describing it as a “sanctuary”. And Mull is the perfect place to experience it.
It is home to diverse wildlife, from birds of prey like eagles and buzzards, to otters, red deer, and seabirds, with a landscape spanning rocky shores to lush woodlands.
It’s not the couple’s first time in this part of the Hebrides either, they visited the capital of Mull as friends nearly 25 years ago, while they were attending St Andrews. "It was 2003 when we were here. We had a lovely time here - it's wonderful,” William told volunteers on one of their visits to community halls, as part of the tour that they’re taking for their Royal Foundation.
This time around, the couple have also visited local crofts and woodland projects for local school kids, alongside seeing vital projects in the area — such as Aros Hall, a community fridge, which saves food from landfill. They’re staying at a self-catering cottage in order to support local tourism.
Mull is part of lands previously ruled by the Lord of the Isles, which is one of the Scottish titles William has inherited from his father after he became king.
If you want to follow in the royals’ footsteps with your own break to beautiful Mull, here’s your mini guide.
Where to stay
Treshnish Shepherd’s Hut is the perfect balance of back to basics plus the rustic-chic extras — it has a woodfired pizza oven and outdoor woodfired bathtub. Plus there are epic, cinematic views over the mottled cliffs and grey, twinkling sea. From £125 per night for 2, coolstays.com
Where to eat
The royals visited Croft 3, a combined restaurant and working croft with 50 acres of land, with Hebridean sheep farmed on site and plenty of garden bounty used on the impressive seasonal menu. Expect Scandi style minimal interiors and dishes spanning crab bisque to lamb hotpot served with sprouting broccoli. croft3mull.com
What to do
The coolest way to get closer to nature of the Inner Hebrides, is by heading west to Coll for a wildlife tour which takes you into the intrepid waters. On snorkels or aboard boats, guests of Basking Shark Scotland have the chance to spot minke whales, common and bottlenose dolphins and porpoises (there have even been sightings of orca, sunfish and leatherback turtles).
If you’re lucky you might even see a basking shark, the rather menacing creatures which glide over the vibrant reefs with its jaws wide open. Bear in mind you’re at the mercy of the weather. £1,300 for a seven-day tour. baskingsharkscotland.co.uk
