A popular UK holiday destination, the island of Ulva in the Inner Hebrides, has decided to close to tourists one day a week. The island will be shut on Sundays so that its small population can "recharge" after being overwhelmed by visitors this summer.
TV Show Sparks Tourism Surge
The decision comes amid "unprecedented interest" from tourists, driven by the island's starring role in the BBC Scotland TV show Banjo and Ro's Grand Island Hotel. Aired in January this year, the property show features a remote Scottish island, a crumbling mansion, and two Australian dreamers, captivating viewers. The impact on tourism became evident around three months later when the seasonal foot-passenger ferry connecting Ulva to Mull started operations on March 31.
Island Infrastructure Struggles
Ulva is a small island, just three miles wide and six miles long, located 150 meters off the west coast of Mull. It has a population of only 16 people, including Banjo Beale and Ro Christopher, who run The Boathouse restaurant. The island is not well equipped for large numbers of tourists. The Grand Island Hotel, once the residence of Lachlan MacQuarrie, the first Governor of Australia, is not yet taking bookings. A hostel opened in May 2023, but infrastructure remains limited.
Decision to Close on Sundays
The Ulva Ferry, which transports visitors from Mull to Ulva, announced the closure on social media. The post stated: "If you've visited us already this year, you'll have noticed how much busier things have been. The unprecedented interest in the island has been wonderful... None of us could have predicted how significant the increase in the numbers of visitors would be, so to give ourselves, the Boathouse and fellow islanders the chance to recharge and prepare for the week ahead, we have made the difficult decision not to open Sundays this summer." Those with existing accommodation bookings on Sundays in June, July, or August can arrange alternative transport.
Impact on Nearby Mull
The popularity of Ulva has also caused problems on Mull. The Mull and Iona Community Trust reported "unprecedented demand" for parking at Ulva Ferry, where foot passengers park before boarding. Additional police officers have been called in to manage crowds. The trust urged visitors to use designated car parks only and avoid illegal roadside parking.
Ulva's Attractions Beyond TV
Ulva offers much beyond its TV fame. The island has no roads or cars, with hiking trails leading past attractions, wilderness, and coastline. Named "Wolf Island" by Vikings, it has been inhabited for at least 7,000 years. The population crashed during the Highland Clearances, from 570 in 1841 to just 53 by 1881, leaving ruins of 16 abandoned townships. Wildlife includes white-tailed sea eagles, golden eagles, hen harriers, otters, seals, and the rare Scotch burnet moth. The south side features views of Iona, Staffa, and the Treshnish Isles, with sandy beaches and inlets. Sheila's Cottage, a restored blackhouse, serves as the island's heritage centre.
