Calve Island is an uninhabited island on the east coast of the Isle of Mull. It provides welcome shelter for Tobermory Bay and is separated from Mull by a tidal channel.
Aligned North-west to South-east and separating the picturesque setting of Tobermory Bay from the Sound of Mull, it appears that little is known of Calve Island. The protector of the capital of the Isle of Mull it may be, yet it appears so undistinguished as to not merit even the slightest mention in the previously definitive David & Charles’ ‘Mull and Iona’ book by P.A. MacNab!
Uninhabited, except for a rather impressive Summer dwelling house, Calve Island is probably better known to philatelists as in 1984, the Royal Mail issued a postage stamp featuring a Bassett Hound and bearing the legend ‘Calve Island, Tobermory’. Its 17p cost at the time made it legal to carry mail anywhere in Great Britain, although this one of a series of quirky island stamps was not recognised outwith these shores.
This is a popular island to dive off, great for scallops and the wreck of The Pelican, a coal-hulk and one of the first steel ships, can be found just off the island. There are great views out to Calve Island from the coastal walk between Tobermory and Aros Park.
Mull Magic operate Guided Walks Tel: 01688 301213