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Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Multi Media Mapping.
The Ross of Mull
('Ross' - Scots, peninsula of land)
The Ross is situated in the south west of the Isle of Mull, in the Inner Hebrides off Scotland's West coast. This picturesque peninsula of land measures approximately 23 miles in length east to west and roughly 2 to 6 miles north to south.
The economy, with a steady population of approximately 628 (May 1999) inhabitants, is based around crofting, farming, fishing, service industries and tourism. Many crofters take on additional jobs and/or businesses in order to create an income.
The population (with migrant visitors and workers) of the area supports 4 food stores, 3 sub post offices, 2 hardware stores, numerous hotels, guesthouses and b&bs. There are three community halls which are used regularly by the many community groups and organisations which are active here for fundraising and social events. There is one primary school and one pre-five unit. The local economy is seasonally boosted by tourism in the summer months.
Gaelic was at one time the first language of the island, sadly now only a handful of the residents are fluent Gaelic speakers although efforts are being made to revive the language, a Gaelic playgroup has recently been started to compliment the well established English speaking playgroup, and numerous Gaelic courses are held throughout the whole Island.
Housing is concentrated around the two villages of Fionnphort and Bunessan but there are many crofts and cottages scattered throughout the length and breadth of the Ross. The community is vibrant although widespread, with a mixture of all ages and origins, but there is a deep sense of the culture, heritage and community on the Ross.
The landscape is dramatic to say the least. The Island’s only Munro, Ben More is visible from all areas on the Ross as is the dramatic Burg which contributes to the separation of the North and South of the Island. Geologists worldwide have visited the Ross of Mull to study the unique geological formations for example the renowned Fossil beds of Ardtun and the volcanic formation of Burg. Here on the Ross we can boast of the many fine sandy beaches and many sheltered coves.
The
landscape is scattered with the ruins of crofting townships which
are a 
stark
reminder of the density with which the area was once populated,
there are also many sights of archaeological significance dating
back to the megalithic age, and telling us visible stories,
through the many duns which scatter the coastline, and show the
lengths the locals had to take in order to defend their homes.
There is an abundance of variety
in the flora and fauna of the Ross. (We hope in the near future
to be able to give more information on the indigineous plants and
species of the island).
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