A tiny island in the Inner Hebrides has decided to close on Sundays so that residents can "recharge" amid "unprecedented interest" from visitors.
Ulva has witnessed a huge surge in visitor numbers since the on-demand foot-passenger ferry connecting the island to Mull started its seasonal operations this year on March 31.
I visited 'unloved' Ulva before the surge in visitors it spooked me
The uptick has been driven by Ulva's starring role in BBC Scotland TV show Banjo and Ro's Grand Island Hotel, which documents the renovation of a stately home on the island - once the residence of the first Governor of Australia, Lachlan MacQuarrie - into a 'must-visit' seven-bedroom boutique hotel.
The six-part series, which first aired in January, stars Aussie-born interior designer Banjo Beale, best known as a head judge on the hit BBC series Scotland's Home of the Year, and husband Ro Christopher.
Situated 150 metres off the west coast of Mull, the island, which is just three miles wide and around six miles long, is home to 16 people, including the couple themselves.
One of the key attractions on the island is The Boathouse, which is renowned for its fresh local seafood and home baking. It has been catering for visitors since 2007 and is now run by Banjo Beale and husband Ro alongside business partner, farmer and food producer Samuel Yates.
The island is also home to a hostel, which opened to its first guests in May 2023.
Ferry company The Ulva Ferry, which transports visitors from Mull to Ulva, took to social media to announce that, amid the huge surge in visitor numbers, islanders had made the "difficult decision" to close the ferry and The Boathouse cafe on Sundays.
The post read: "If you’ve visited us already this year, you’ll have noticed how much busier things have been. The unprecedented interest in the island has been wonderful and we are delighted that more people are finding out what makes Ulva so special.
"None of us could have predicted how significant the increase in the numbers of visitors would be, so to give ourselves, the Boathouse and fellow islanders the chance to recharge and prepare for the week ahead, we have made the difficult decision not to open Sundays this summer.
READ MORE:
'The Islanders think we are mad': Banjo Beale on his boutique hotel project
'Dream job alert' as remote Scottish island restaurant looks for staff
Ulva: The island that has shut itself away from the world
"Apologies for those who will be undoubtedly disappointed but we feel it’s the right decision for the island this year.
"Anyone who has already booked accommodation on the island leaving or arriving on a Sunday in June, July or August can liaise with their accommodation provider or email/message me and I’ll make sure you can still get across."
The surge in visitors to Ulva has also led to challenges on neighbouring Mull, with Mull and Iona Community Trust reporting "unprecedented demand" for parking at Ulva Ferry, from where the foot passenger ferry to Ulva leaves.
On Wednesday, Mull and Iona Community Trust took to social media to warn visitors that there will be an increased police presence to manage parking and move vehicles if necessary.
The post read: "We are currently experiencing unprecedented demand for parking at Ulva Ferry, due to the high number of visitors travelling to Ulva and those joining boat trips from the pontoon.
READ MORE:
This former Royal Navy torpedo range is set to become a luxury tourist site
Scottish travel and tourism on course for a messy peak season
A82 'embarrassing for nation that prides itself on world-class tourism'
"While there are two designated car parks available, these are filling up quickly. If both car parks are full, please do not park on the roadside verge. Parking on the verge is illegal and creates serious access issues.
"We kindly ask all visitors to plan ahead, allow extra time, and use designated parking areas only. Your cooperation is essential in helping us keep Ulva Ferry safe and accessible for everyone."
Once home to a vibrant island community of over 800 people in the late 18th century living in small crofting settlements scattered across the landscape, the island suffered when it was sold in 1845 along with neighbouring Gometra to a new laird, Francis William Clark.
He carried out the rapid clearance of the resident population in order to graze sheep on the land. By 1851, three quarters of the two islands’ population had been cleared.
By 2011 there were just 11 residents on Ulva and 2 on Gometra, with clusters of empty properties where business and families once thrived.
In 2018, after centuries of private ownership, Ulva began a hopeful new chapter when it was purchased by the local community, supported by the Scottish Land Fund, with the goal of breathing new life into the island.
Share