The 16 inhabitants of the Hebridean island of Ulva have decided to 'close' on Sundays this summer to cope with a surge in visitors following its appearance in a hit BBC television series. The privately owned foot-ferry service will now operate only six days a week, giving residents time to recharge and prepare for the week ahead.
Unprecedented Interest
The island's starring role in the BBC six-part series Banjo and Ro's Grand Island Hotel, which first aired in January, has led to 'unprecedented interest' and a significant increase in tourist numbers. The show documents the renovation of a stately home on Ulva into a seven-bedroom boutique hotel, featuring Australian-born interior designer Banjo Beale, a judge on Scotland's Home of the Year, and his husband Ro Christopher, who live on the island. The couple also help run The Boathouse, a restaurant that has catered to visitors for nearly 20 years.
Managing the Influx
The popularity of the programme has attracted 'set-jetters' to the island in recent months. The Ulva Ferry service stated: 'The unprecedented interest in the island has been wonderful and we are delighted that more people are finding out what makes Ulva so special. 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.'
The ferry operator apologised to those who 'will be undoubtedly disappointed' but emphasised that 'we feel it's the right decision for the island this year'. Visitors with accommodation booked for Sundays in June, July, or August are advised to 'liaise with their accommodation provider' or contact the ferry service to ensure they can still cross.
Additionally, Mull and Iona Community Trust warned of increased police presence at Ulva Ferry to manage parking due to 'unprecedented demand'. They urged visitors not to park on roadside verges if both car parks are full. Ulva, bought by the community in 2018, is accessed by ferry from Mull and has no public roads, but it is a haven for wildlife, attracting around 7,000 nature lovers annually.
