Dùn Bhioramuill

Dùn Bhioramuill is an ancient fortified site located not on the Isle of Mull itself, but on the small, neighbouring island of Ulva. Situated on the south-eastern slopes of a hill known as A’ Chrannag, the “dùn” or fort is a historic landmark that speaks to the early defensive settlements of the area. As a “dùn,” it is a smaller, more intimate defensive enclosure typically used by extended family units during the Iron Age.

The site is historically significant as part of Ulva’s long history of human habitation, which stretches back thousands of years. While much of the ancient fort is now in ruins, it offers a tangible link to the island’s prehistoric past. Its presence points to the strategic importance of this small island and its inhabitants’ need for defensive structures to protect their communities during that period.

Dùn Bhioramuill also holds a fascinating and more modern piece of local history. A memorial to Francis William Clark, a notorious mid-19th century laird, was built on top of the Iron Age fort. Local folklore holds that a huge marble slab for the memorial was lost in the mire, with people attributing this to the “weight of evil on it.” This tale blends ancient history with a powerful story from the island’s more recent past.