Tobermory Clock Tower: A Maritime Memorial in the Heart of Mull's Harbour
Historic granite clock tower memorializing local heritage, standing proudly by Tobermory’s colourful harbour on the Isle of Mull.
The Tobermory Clock Tower, erected in 1880 as a memorial to Henrietta Amelia Bird, stands prominently on Main Street by the harbour in Tobermory, Isle of Mull. This granite tower not only marks time but also symbolizes the town’s rich maritime heritage and community spirit. Situated amidst the colourful waterfront buildings of Tobermory, it is a distinctive historic landmark reflecting the town’s evolution from a planned fishing village into a vibrant cultural hub.
A brief summary to Tobermory Clock Tower
- Main St, Isle of Mull, Tobermory, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the clock tower’s granite details and the vibrant colours of the surrounding harbour buildings.
- Combine your visit with a stroll along Tobermory’s Main Street to explore local shops, galleries, and cafes.
- Learn about Tobermory’s maritime history at the nearby Mull Museum to deepen your understanding of the clock tower’s significance.
- Capture photos of the clock tower framed by the colourful waterfront, especially in soft morning or late afternoon light.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car
Driving from Craignure ferry terminal to Tobermory takes approximately 35 to 45 minutes along single-track roads with passing places. Parking near the harbour is limited and may require a short walk. No parking fees typically apply.
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Bus
Local bus services connect Tobermory with Craignure and other parts of Mull, with travel times around 45 to 60 minutes. Buses run several times daily but less frequently on weekends. Tickets cost approximately £5 to £7 one way.
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Ferry and Walk
Visitors arriving by ferry from Kilchoan to Tobermory can disembark and walk approximately 10 minutes along gentle terrain to reach the clock tower area. The ferry crossing takes about 30 minutes and costs around £10 to £15 per passenger.
Tobermory Clock Tower location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Tobermory Clock Tower
Memorial Origins and Historical Significance
The Tobermory Clock Tower was built in 1880 as a heartfelt memorial by one sister to another, Henrietta Amelia Bird, who tragically died of typhoid in the town. Crafted from granite, the tower stands as a lasting tribute to personal loss and community remembrance. Its presence on the harbourfront is a reminder of the close-knit nature of Tobermory’s residents and their connection to the sea and local history.Architectural Presence in Tobermory’s Harbour
Positioned on Main Street, the clock tower anchors the bustling harbour area of Tobermory, a town famed for its brightly painted buildings and scenic waterfront. The tower’s granite construction contrasts with the vibrant colours of the surrounding shops and homes, creating a striking visual landmark. It complements the planned layout of Tobermory, which was designed in the late 18th century by engineer Thomas Telford, featuring a neat grid pattern and a harbour developed for fishing and trade.Tobermory’s Maritime and Economic Roots
Tobermory originated as a fishing port established by the British Fisheries Society in 1788, designed to foster a skilled fishing community. Although fishing success was limited, the harbour infrastructure, including the pier near the clock tower, played a vital role in salt landing and fish curing for export. The town later thrived on kelp harvesting before tourism flourished, especially after Queen Victoria’s visit in 1847. The clock tower stands as a symbol of this maritime heritage and economic transition.Community and Cultural Context
Beyond its function as a timekeeper, the clock tower embodies Tobermory’s identity as the Isle of Mull’s capital and cultural centre. The town hosts a variety of shops, galleries, and events, with the harbour area serving as a focal point for locals and visitors alike. The tower’s location near other attractions such as the Mull Museum and Tobermory Distillery enriches its significance within the community’s daily life and tourism experience.Visual and Experiential Appeal
Visitors to the Tobermory Clock Tower enjoy panoramic views of the sheltered harbour, framed by the colourful waterfront and the surrounding hills. The tower’s granite façade adds a historic texture to the vibrant scene, inviting reflection on the town’s layered past. Its proximity to the pier and busy harbour activities enhances the sensory experience of the location, blending history, architecture, and maritime life.Legacy and Preservation
The clock tower remains an enduring symbol of Tobermory’s heritage, preserved as a historical landmark that connects present-day visitors with the town’s 19th-century origins and stories. It continues to mark time for the community while standing as a testament to personal memory and the maritime spirit that shaped the Isle of Mull.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Tobermory Clock Tower
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Historic granite clock tower memorializing local heritage, standing proudly by Tobermory’s colourful harbour on the Isle of Mull.
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Kilmartin Museum
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Unmissable attractions to see
The Mull Museum
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Discover the Isle of Mull’s rich history through engaging exhibits in a charming volunteer-run museum in Tobermory’s heart.
Mull Pottery
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Discover timeless handmade ceramics inspired by the Isle of Mull’s landscapes at Mull Pottery in Tobermory.
MacDonald Arms Hotel
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Historic pub on Tobermory’s Main Street offering hearty Scottish fare, warm hospitality, and a cozy island atmosphere.
Tobermory Chocolate
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Family-run artisan chocolate shop and café on Tobermory’s Main Street, offering handmade chocolates and scenic harbour views year-round.
Tobermory Distillery Visitor Centre
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Explore Scotland’s oldest Isle of Mull distillery, where tradition and island spirit craft two unique single malts in a vibrant harbour setting.
Kilchoan - Tobermory Ferry
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A scenic 35-minute ferry crossing linking remote Ardnamurchan with the colourful harbour town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull.
Island Blue Gallery
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Discover contemporary Scottish art and unique handcrafted gifts in a welcoming gallery and café near Tobermory on the Isle of Mull.
Isle of Mull Cheese and Spirit
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Memorial to Robert John Brown
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Explore the Memorial to Robert John Brown in Tobermory: A historic landmark offering stunning views and a glimpse into the island's rich heritage.
Aros Park
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Tobermory Lighthouse
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Discover the stunning Tobermory Lighthouse on the Isle of Mull, a historic beacon offering breathtaking views and rich maritime heritage.
Rubha nan Gall Lighthouse
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Aros Waterfall
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Ardmore Point
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Loch Torr Wildlife Hide
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Essential places to dine
The Galleon Bistro Tobermory
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Family-run harbour-side bistro in Tobermory offering fresh local seafood, Scottish classics, and a warm, accessible dining experience on the Isle of Mull.
Spice of Mull
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Experience authentic Indian, Bangladeshi, Thai, and Chinese flavors in a cozy Tobermory setting with stunning harbor views.
An Cala Ciuin
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Traditional Scottish hospitality with harbour views and hearty fare in the heart of Tobermory’s historic Mishnish Hotel.
Cafe Fish, Upper Floor, The Pier, Tobermory
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Experience Tobermory’s freshest seafood with stunning harbour views at the acclaimed Cafe Fish on the Isle of Mull.
Macgochans
0.3 km
Waterfront gastropub with stunning bay views, fresh Scottish seafood, and warm Hebridean hospitality.
Hebridean Lodge
0.9 km
A charming coastal restaurant near Tobermory serving fresh local seafood with stunning island views and warm hospitality.
Am Birlinn
10.2 km
Rustic charm meets fresh seafood in a cozy, contemporary setting on the scenic Isle of Mull.
The Whitehouse Restaurant
20.3 km
An intimate fine dining haven in Lochaline serving innovative Scottish cuisine with fresh, local, and foraged ingredients in a historic coastal setting.
Ninth Wave Restaurant
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Intimate seafood dining in a historic croft on the Isle of Mull, blending local flavors with refined culinary artistry.
The Creel Seafood Bar
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Restaurant at the Isle of Eriska
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EE-USK
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Fresh, locally sourced seafood served with panoramic harbor views on Oban’s historic North Pier.
Food From Argyll at the Pier
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Taste of Argyll Kitchen
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The Chlachain Inn
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Co-op Food - Tobermory
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Tobermory’s largest convenience store offering fresh island produce and everyday essentials in the heart of the Isle of Mull.
Glassy Candles of Mull
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Discover handcrafted candles and local artisan treasures in the heart of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull.
Island Blue Tobermory
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Discover authentic Isle of Mull crafts and unique gifts in the heart of Tobermory’s vibrant Main Street.
Tobermory Antiques & Collectibles
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Discover unique vintage treasures steeped in the heritage and charm of Tobermory’s colorful Isle of Mull harbor town.
Isle Of Mull Soap Co Ltd
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Discover handmade natural soaps and eco-friendly gifts crafted with care in the heart of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull.
Island Crafts
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Discover authentic Isle of Mull artistry and handcrafted treasures in the heart of Tobermory’s vibrant craft scene.
Tobermory Corner Shop
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Experience local charm and unique finds at Tobermory Corner Shop, your gateway to the Isle of Mull's treasures.
Tobermory Stores
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Tobermory Stores offers essential shopping with local charm in the heart of Isle of Mull’s colorful main street.
Trekomory Breeze
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Trekomory Breeze offers practical outdoor clothing and accessories in Tobermory, blending local charm with quality gear for every adventurer.
Seafare
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Tobermory’s trusted chandlery since 1977, offering essential marine safety gear and supplies in the heart of the Isle of Mull’s harbor town.
Hargreaves Bros
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Discover timeless craftsmanship and expert clock repair at Hargreaves Bros, Tobermory’s cherished watch shop on the Isle of Mull.
Hasn Candle Company
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Discover handcrafted candles inspired by the natural beauty and seasonal scents of the Isle of Mull in Tobermory’s welcoming artisan shop.
Glengorm Gardens and Florist
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Discover the serene Victorian walled gardens and artisan florist of Glengorm Estate, a floral and horticultural gem on the Isle of Mull’s rugged northern coast.
Premier
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Your friendly local Premier store on Mull’s Main Street, offering groceries, postal services, and community warmth in Dervaig village.
Craignure SPAR and Post Office
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Tobermory Hotel
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Mishnish
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Auld Mull Bar
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Western Isles Hotel
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Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa
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Craignure Inn
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Bunessan Inn
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The Keel Row
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Snack Bar
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Markie Dans
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The Tartan Tavern
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Cellar Bar
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Lorne Bar
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The Oyster Bar
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Macnamara & Bothin Bar
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Roobarb
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Jura Brewery
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Skye Camanachd Social Club
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
