Mull and Iona are two of the best photography destinations in Scotland. Photographers from around the world are drawn to these beautiful islands for their stunning scenery, incredible wildlife and unique Hebridean light. Whether you want to capture an incredible sunset, photograph an eagle in the wild or get that special snap for Instagram, Mull and Iona have got it covered.
Eagle eyed
Mull is called ‘Eagle Island’ and you’ve a good chance of spotting – and hopefully photographing – a white-tailed or a golden eagle here. It’s an unforgettable nature experience! With Mull Eagle Watch you can join eagle experts on a ranger-led visit. The hides are also well placed to watch for other birds of prey and red deer. Another great way to see Mull’s magnificent white-tailed eagles is by boat. Mull Charters have designed a trip that will get you up close and personal with the birds. From land, you can watch the sea eagles sitting in their nests or soaring in the sky, but from a boat you can see them fish. The giant birds swoop down to pluck fish from the surface of the sea from as near as 25ft from the boat – now that could be a belter of a shot!
Wonderful wildlife
It’s not just eagles that are a major attraction on Mull. The island is renowned for its wildlife and is home to some of Scotland’s most iconic wild animals. The waters off the coast of Mull offer fabulous opportunities for photographing whales, basking sharks, otters, sea birds and more. And if you head inland you can track down a whole host of fascinating Hebridean wildlife. Photo by Martin Kievers.
Cool caves
The island of Staffa is simply awe inspiring. Impossibly dramatic and romantic, it’s best known for its basalt columns and spectacular sea caves. The most famous of these is Fingal’s Cave, also known in Gaelic as An Uamh Binn or the Cave of Music, immortalised by Mendelssohn in his Hebrides Overture. There’s a natural walkway, which means you can get right inside the cave at low tide for some spectacular images. You can take a boat trip with Staffa Trips from Mull and extend your trip to the Treshnish Isles, where you can photograph puffins on Lunga (there are puffins on Staffa too).
Beach babes
Mull’s coastline is dotted with beaches just waiting to be caught on camera! Calgary Bay at the north of the island is a stunner, with white sands, turquoise waters and a stone pier. Another beautiful location is Langamull Beach, which has fabulous views to Ardnamurchan, Rum, Eigg and Canna. On the Ross if Mull, Uisken Beach near Bunessan is a photographer’s dream, with shimmering white sands and epic views to Colonsay and Jura. For wildlife photography, then Laggan Sands at Lochbuie should be on your list. Scan the cliffs and sky for sea eagles and golden eagles and look out for seals in the bay. There are some fantastic beaches on the Ross of Mull, including Fidden and Knockvologan:
Ancient wonders
Mull and Iona are both packed with history, offering some fabulous photo opportunities. Discover ruins, forts and tower houses in beautiful locations across Mull. Duart Castle, the ancestral home of Clan Maclean, has to be one of the most photogenic castles on the west coast of Scotland. Perched atop a rocky outcrop, it proudly and defiantly stands guard against would-be aggressors. Walk the battlements and you’ll be treated to some incredible views out across the Sound of Mull. Or how about photographing Lochbuie Stone Circle? This small and well preserved stone circle sits in a stunning location overlooked by Ben Buie at the southern end of Mull.
Summit special
Ben More is the only Munro in the Inner Hebrides. It’s a grand, rugged mountain and makes for a fantastic day’s hill walking. But best of all are the views from the summit. On a clear they encompass the Sound of Mull, Staffa, Ulva, the Ross of Mull and Iona in the distance. So, if the sun’s shining, pack your camera, grab those walking boots and make your way to a high Hebridean point for some stunning shots. Ben More offers some great opportunities for wildlife photography too.
Mull and Iona rock!
Mull and Iona have some of the most fascinating and complex geology in the world. The islands are mainly volcanic in origin and the landscape has been carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age. Find out more about the geology of Mull and Iona and plan your photographic expedition!
Full of spirit
For atmospheric photographs, head to Iona Abbey on the island of Iona. It’s one of Scotland’s most historic and sacred sites, and there are so many options for photographers. The abbey was founded by St Columba. There are stunning architectural details, from intricately carved crosses to beautiful cloisters. See if you can capture the atmosphere of Sràid nam Marbh, ‘the street of the dead’, a route used by pilgrims of the past, and Reilig Odhráin – the cemetery where many ancient Scottish kings were laid to rest.
Learn the ropes
There is a number of photographers on Mull and Iona offering specialist photography tours, workshops and holidays. This is a great way to hone your skills, get off the beaten track and discover the islands’ hidden gems. Other operators will help you get close to the subject matter you’d like to photograph. Turus Mara provide wildlife watching boat tours from Ulva on Mull. Basking Shark Scotland offers basking shark boat trips throughout the summer. Isle of Mull Wildlife Expeditions offer guided wildlife watching expeditions, while Island Encounters runs wildlife tours.
Header photo: Tobermory by Sam Jones.
Find out more and things to see and do on Mull and Iona.