Ulva Island in the Inner Hebrides has decided to limit tourist visits by closing its doors on Sundays to allow residents to rejuvenate. The island has experienced a significant influx of visitors, partly due to its feature in the popular BBC Scotland TV series “Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel.”
Following the show’s debut in January, Ulva’s tourism saw a surge, leading to the seasonal operations of a foot-passenger ferry service to the island from Mull starting on March 31. Situated just off the west coast of Mull, Ulva is a small island measuring three miles wide and approximately six miles long, with a population of 16 residents, including Banjo Beale and Ro Christopher.
Due to the island’s limited infrastructure to accommodate large crowds, the decision was made to restrict access on Sundays. The Grand Island Hotel, once the home of Lachlan MacQuarrie, the first Governor of Australia, is not currently accepting bookings. Instead, visitors can enjoy seafood and home-baked goods at The Boathouse, managed by Banjo and Ro since 2007. The island also offers a hostel, which welcomed its first guests in May 2023.
The closure of Ulva on Sundays was initiated by The Ulva Ferry service, which transports visitors to the island. Due to the overwhelming popularity of Ulva, parking issues have arisen at Ulva Ferry on Mull, prompting additional police presence to manage the crowds.
Aside from its TV exposure, Ulva Island’s appeal lies in its natural beauty and historical significance. The island, known as “Wolf Island” by the Vikings, has a rich history dating back over 7,000 years, marked by the impact of the Highland Clearances. Ulva is home to diverse wildlife, including white-tailed sea eagles, golden eagles, otters, seals, and unique species like the Scotch burnet moth.
With no roads or cars, Ulva offers hiking trails that showcase its scenic landscapes and coastal views. The south side of the island is particularly picturesque, offering stunning vistas of Iona, Staffa, and the Treshnish Isles, as well as sandy beaches and abundant wildlife. Sheila’s Cottage, a restored blackhouse serving as the island’s heritage center, adds to Ulva’s charm.
Ulva’s decision to limit tourist access on Sundays reflects the need to balance tourism with preserving the island’s natural beauty and allowing residents to enjoy their surroundings without overwhelming crowds.
