The capital of Mull is best known as the home of the children’s TV programme Balamory. But now it is a wild sea otter that is stealing the limelight, as he enchants visitors and locals alike with
his antics.
Angus Stewart, who is making a film about Tobermory, first noticed the otter in the waters around the island’s capital last year.
He proved elusive at first, but this year he has become braver and bolder. Elvis can now be seen regularly strutting his stuff through the town, and aboard a variety of boats at the colourful harbour.
Mr Stewart says he calls the animal Elvis because it eats all the time, has slicked-back hair and it is a star performer.
“It goes on the pontoon, it goes onto dinghies and yachts, and if fishermen are going out with creels it will steal a mackerel from them,” he said. “But I don’t think anyone really objects because it’s a wonderful addition to harbour life.
“It’s often there along the seafront, or about the town. It was even seen outside the Co-op on Monday, eating a fish.”
He added: “People come to Mull looking for wildlife and get a shock when they come back to Tobermory, after a wildlife trip around the island, and are sat eating their fish and chips when they see the otter.”
Struan Smith, of Oban-based boat firm Coastal Connections, saw Elvis on Tuesday when he moored at Tobermory.
He said: “He dived down and got a wee fish, then he jumped in a dinghy to eat it, then jumped off again and went over towards the old fishing pier. We have seen him quite a few times now. The visitors love him.”
Jim Traynor, Tobermory moorings officer, added: “He runs up and down the pontoons quite happily. He climbs into the lower boats and gets bait off some of the boats, but usually people are pleased to see him because he is an attraction. Some people have said he has been quite near their fish supper, though, when they are eating out on the deck of their boat.”
Mr Traynor said that Elvis has a mate but she is usually content to keep her distance, in the bay, while her partner charms the crowds.
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