Tobermory, a Gem on the Isle of Mull, Scotland | Echoes of the Past Echoes of the Past Search for: Tobermory, a Gem on the Isle of Mull, Scotland Built as a fishing port in 1788 on a design by Thomas Telford, the town curves around the harbour and rises into the hillside beyond. Tobermory is the capital of, and the only burgh on, the Isle of Mull in the Scottish Inner Hebrides. It is located in the northeastern part of the island, near the northern entrance of the Sound of Mull. When we arrived in the little town in 2013, the sun was shining and the skies a perfect blue, it felt like we were in a beautiful picturesque postcard. Best known for its connections with children’s TV, first it had a Womble named after it, while more recently it was used as the setting for the BBC children’s series Balamory. Main street has a mix of shops, eateries, hotels and guest houses and has an excellent selection of locally produced arts and crafts.

It surely must be one of the prettiest towns in Scotland and it was lovely, just pottering around the town and having something to eat on the harbour side, just perfect. Share this: Tobermory | Wombles Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Share Tobermory, as seen in the 1990s TV series (and currently) Tobermory is second-in-command of the burrow, helping Great Uncle Bulgaria by overseeing its day to day workings. He also serves as a mechanical mastermind and has a particular gift for making useful gadgets out of ordinary, everyday rubbish. He doesn't belive in waste and can see a use for everything. Tobermory is very good friends with Great Uncle Bulgaria. While he has fully embraced the 21st century, he fully respects Great Uncle Bulgaria's views on the origin of things and has great respect for the old womble's position. While Tobermory is very comfortable motoring around in a turbo wom-hummer, he can also be seen strolling by alongside Uncle Bulgaria on their morning walks. Tobermory is middle-aged (about halfway between Uncle Bulgaria and the young wombles), phlegmatic and practical.

While he stands no nonsense from the young wombles as he supervises their daily clearing up duties, Tobermory is patient and steadfastly positive. He's also confident to the young wombles and a strong supporter of most any endeavour the young wombles embark upon. Tobermory has a chivalrous, gentlemanly relationship with Madame Cholet , treating her as his well respected equal. He is very fond of Wellington 's attempts at inventing, and likes to encourage his young apprentice whenever possible, but at the same time very often ends up having quite a mess to tend to when Wellington's inventions go horribly wrong. Tobermory used to be in the Navy. In all series, Tobermory wears a brown leather working apron and a black bowler hat. He is named after the place on the Isle of Mull in Scotland. Isle of Mull | Echoes of the Past Echoes of the Past Beached Hulls – Isle of Mull, Scotland I have a feeling……. that these old hulls have been a source of delight for photographers for many years, they are just so photogenic. The only problem is, the site is on a bend of a road with no parking.

I knew where they were, so my poor long suffering husband said he would slow right down……as long as there were no cars behind us…….I think I got 10 seconds before some inconsiderate car came along. But then thats really all I needed, its not often that I even get 10 seconds. Isle of Mull, May 2016 A Trip Across The Isle of Mull, Scotland After leaving the Isle of Iona, off the west coast of Scotland, May 2016, we drove across the Isle of Mull. Just a few photos to show you how beautiful the island is. This is only a short post, as I am very tried after spending most of last night watching how the UK was going to vote about the EU. We also spent the day in Kent working, but I still managed a castle, cathedral and a church which was hidden in some woods, but then on the way home, we got caught going through London. Five hours later we made it home 🙂 Ferry Watching Waiting for the ferry to take them back to the Isle of Mull, from the Isle of Iona, off the west coast of Scotland.

This is the little car ferry the they were waiting for, that takes you across to the Isle of Iona from the Isle of Mull. May 2016 Tobermory, a Gem on the Isle of Mull, Scotland Built as a fishing port in 1788 on a design by Thomas Telford, the town curves around the harbour and rises into the hillside beyond. Tobermory is the capital of, and the only burgh on, the Isle of Mull in the Scottish Inner Hebrides. It is located in the northeastern part of the island, near the northern entrance of the Sound of Mull. When we arrived in the little town in 2013, the sun was shining and the skies a perfect blue, it felt like we were in a beautiful picturesque postcard. Best known for its connections with children’s TV, first it had a Womble named after it, while more recently it was used as the setting for the BBC children’s series Balamory. Main street has a mix of shops, eateries, hotels and guest houses and has an excellent selection of locally produced arts and crafts.

It surely must be one of the prettiest towns in Scotland and it was lovely, just pottering around the town and having something to eat on the harbour side, just perfect. Whisky Distillery, Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Scotland When visiting the Isle of Mull, off the west coast of Scotland, one visit is a must…..the Tobermory Whisky Distillery….see husbands purposeful walk or even a stride, yes more of a stride. He gets the same kicks from visiting a distillery, as I do an ancient building, so its a little price I have to pay for all the driving he does for me….. I try not to let on that I enjoy visiting them nearly as much as he does. I must admit all these distilleries are located in the most wonderful places, I suppose thats why I like to visit them and a taster or two.

Tobermory is a lovely place to visit, and in 2013 the sun was shining for us, I will do a post later, but for now this is another post for my ‘Whisky Distillery Category’ Oh Deer This is the only red deer I have seen in Scotland, in the the years we have been visiting, this it it 🙂 We were driving across the Isle of Mull to catch the ferry to Iona in 2013. We were going at a bit of a pace, when suddenly I saw the deer, I managed a quick couple of shots, and luckily the photos were not one big furry blur. I still haven’t seen another one, maybe this coming holiday, but this one looked so cute, eating the nice green grass of the bungalows lawn, with a smile on his face (I think its a him)…….

The Isle of Mull in Scotland Website link Contacts for bookings and information: Explore Mull Tel: 01688 302875 or info@exploremull.com Mull Diary If you are looking for information about Tobermory click here Isle of Iona click here Oban click here The Isle of Mull and the neighbouring Island of Iona lie just off the west coast of Scotland, in the United Kingdom. The Isle of Mull has become well known by all who view the BBC programmes Springwatch and Coast. The presenter Gordon Buchanan is from Mull and still has family and a house here. Mull is also now very well known as the home of the CBeebies programme Balamory, based around the coloured houses of Tobermory. The Isle of Mull has attractions for all the family, and offers a holiday where wildlife is around every corner, visitor attractions cater for all ages, and the whole family has a chance to live a lifestyle far removed from the hectic urban pressurised existence. For detailed information on the White-tailed Sea Eagles on the Isle of Mull click here to go to the excellent website.

Accommodation on the island is generally of a good standard and plentiful, however, during the school holiday periods in July and August it is recommended to book in advance. Ferries cross to the island at three points: Oban, Lochaline and Kilchoan. Booking is required during busy summer months on the Oban ferry, however, the other two are not possible to book, and places are normally available when required. The Lochaline crossing is a cheaper option and is used regularly by locals. Click here to go to the more detailed travel information page. From Oban, on the mainland, where many visitors arrive on their way to the Isle of Mull and Iona, the seaward view is dominated by the rocky peaks and green slopes of the Mull mountains. According to your interests, the islands of Mull and Iona can be a wilderness awaiting discovery, a haven of peace and relaxation or simply a charming and beautiful centre for a Highland holiday away from the cares and pressures of modern life. For general information and Travel, click here Tobermory Isle of Mull Scotland Website Tobermory was built as a fishing port in the late 18th century and is now the main town on Mull.

It is a picture-postcard of a place with the brightly painted buildings along the main street to the pier and the high woodland-fringed hills surrounding the bay. The town has a good variety of shops , hotels , and other accommodation as well as being the administrative centre for the island. The harbour is always busy with fishing boats, yachts and the ferry to and from Kilchoan. In recent years, the island has become very popular for weddings in a romantic atmosphere. There is reputed to be the wreck of a Spanish galleon somewhere in the mud at the bottom of the bay. The ship was part of the defeated Armada of 1588 and was fleeing the English fleet when she anchored in Tobermory to take on provisions. Following a dispute over payment the ship caught fire which caused the gunpowder to explode. She was supposed to have been carrying millions of gold coins when she went to the bottom but no-one has ever managed to find any significant treasure. More recently, Tobermory has been the setting for the children's programme Balamory . After the initial success of these programmes in Britain, Balamory is now reaching a new audience in Australia.

The Isle of Mull and Iona have become one of the premier destinations for wildlife watching in the United Kingdom in the last few years. Thousands of people are attracted to the islands in the hope of catching a glimpse of the rare and unusual Golden and White-tailed Eagles , Otter, Corncrake and an abundance of other birds and mammals. The seas off the coast of Mull are important feeding areas for whales, dolphins and basking sharks . The colourful and picturesque island capital of Tobermory is an ideal location from which to make the very most of your wildlife watching on the Isle of Mull. The island is home to the most famous pair of White-tailed Eagles in the world, as featured on numerous television and radio broadcasts. The re-introduction of these iconic birds of prey has been so successful that breeding pairs can now be seen throughout the length and breadth of the island, including Tobermory. A great opportunity exists to come and see the White-tailed Eagles who begin to lay their eggs from early March onwards. Incubation takes place after the first egg is laid and lasts for an average of 38 days. Both sexes share responsibility for sitting on the eggs, although the bulk of the incubation duty is carried out by the female.

The Sea Eagle Hide is open all year round but booking is essential. Tel: 01680 812556. Isle of Mull - Mountain Island Isle of Mull A Guide to the Southern Inner Hebridean Isles of Argyll Isle of Mull – Mountain Island The Isle of Mull is the second largest island of the Inner Hebrides and the largest island of the Southern Hebrides. Mull has an incredible coastline of around 300 miles and an area of 338 square miles. The highest mountain on Mull is Ben More, with 966 metres the highest mountain in the area, and on a clear day visible from almost every island of the Southern Hebrides. Mull is a mountainous island and Ben More is the only Munro in the Southern Hebrides. Perhaps because of these mountains Mull has the highest rainfall numbers of all of the Hebrides. Main industries on Mull are tourism and fish farming. The island is surrounded by the Sound of Mull in the north, the Firth of Lorn in the south and east and the Atlantic Ocean in the west.

Although larger than Islay the population of Mull is less, around 2,700 people, and approximately 700 of them live in the picturesque harbour town of Tobermory with its colourful buildings. Tobermory is also the administrative capital of Mull, its name meaning Mary’s well. The town was founded as a fishing port in 1788 on a layout designed by the British Fisheries Society. Tobermory is well served with facilities and the town includes a museum, accommodation, banks and tourist information. Many buildings in Tobermory, mostly shops and restaurants, are painted in different bright colours, making it a popular location for television programmes, and gives the town a unique character. Important buildings in the town include Tobermory Clock Tower, a museum, the Tobermory Scotch whisky distillery, the Isle of Mull Brewery, and an arts centre. Duart Castle at Sunrise Like many other islands in the Southern Hebrides people started living here not long after the last ice age which was around 8000 BC.

Mull itself has been inhabited since around 6000 BC and the inhabitants of those days were responsible for the standing stones, brochs and stone circles such as the Lochbuie stone circle, not far from Craignure which is still well preserved. After the Norwegian controlled the island from the 8th century, Mull also became a part of the Lordship of the Isles in 1266, which had its main seat of power on Finlaggan Islay. Duart Castle dates back to the 13th century and was the seat of Clan MacLean. In 1350 Lachlan Lubanach Maclean of Duart, the 5th Clan Chief, married Mary, daughter of John of Islay, Lord of the Isles and she was given Duart as her dowry. After the collapse of the Lordship in 1493 the island was taken over by the clan MacLean, and later in 1681 by the clan Campbell.

The Highland clearances of the 18th and 19th centuries left its mark on Mull as well and came after voluntary emigration when there was overpopulation, 10,600 inhabitants, in the early 1800s. The population fell to a low of 2154 in 1961 and is has now reached a stable number. ZB Travel – Isle of Mull. March 2 – Mike Yardley News and Travel By Mike Yardley • March 2, 2013 What makes the Isle of Mull such a drawcard? The Western Highlands and offshore islands are quintessential Scotland. But unlike the Isle of Skye, one of the bonnie Scotland’s less trodden paths, yet most enthralling destinations, is a foray to the Isle of Mull. From the rugged ridges of Ben More and wild moorland to the piercing white sand beaches and wave-lashed cliffs of the coast, Mull is a nature lover’s haven. A natural wilderness that is strikingly diverse and equally dramatic. Wildlife-watching expeditions are immensely popular, and my half day excursion served up close encounters with eagles, otters, dolphins and migrating whales.

It is Scottish wilderness, unplugged. Did the main town of Tobermory inspire the name of the Womble? Well, after exhaustive personal investigations, I can confirm that this is indeed the case. Tobermory is Great Uncle Bulgaria’s second in command in the womble burrow, and yes, he is named in honour of Mull’s photogenic port town. Tell us about Tobermory’s top sights. Tobermory is a picture-perfect fishing port and yachting hub, positively radiant with merrily coloured waterfront homes and shops. The houses were originally fishermen’s cottages, and many have been turned into B&Bs, pubs and artist studios. Often lashed by frigid winds, if you need a warm-up, totter into the boutique Tobermory distillery, which has been producing single malt whisky since 1798. With more than a billion bottles of whisky exported annually, Scotland is awash with distilleries, but this pint-sized producer is a charmer. The place to stay is the Tobermory Hotel, housed in a series of multi-storeyed, 300-year-old cottages that line the picturesque waterfront.

It is seriously like staying in a doll’s house. This great value family-run B&B hotel is renowned for its local cuisine and the evening dining is a showcase of fresh, sustainable produce. Is Mull the spiritual home of the world’s McLeans? Yes, and just a short drive south of Tobermory is one of Scotland’s oldest inhabited castles, Duart Castle. Built in 1360, it is the home of the 28th Chief of the Clan Mclean and his family. Open to the public, the castle features majestic halls, medieval furnishings , authentic dungeons and cannons. An essential sight. What about the little isle of Iona? A short hop from Mull is the satellite Isle of Iona. This most historic of outposts was the staging ground for Saint Columba’s great conversion of the Scots to Christianity. Arriving here in 563AD from Ireland, he established a monastery on the island, which is also where the Book of Kells was transcribed, before being taken to Ireland, when the rampaging Vikings forced the monks to flee. From the mainland, Oban is the main gateway to the Isle of Mull. Is Oban worth a stop?

Absolutely worth at least a night stopover. This compact port town has sturdy-stone buildings and a very pretty waterfront, yawning with really old pubs. The grand old dame, the Oban Caledonian Hotel is a landmark property, with dreamy views across the water. Built in 1882, it was commandeered by the Royal Navy during WWII, so it has heaps of interesting history. Any good castles? Five minutes north of Oban, the medieval fortress of Dunstaffnage Castle should be on your sightseeing agenda. Built in 1260, it was captured by Robert the Bruce in 1309 during the Wars of Independence. Adjacent to the imposing castle are the poignant ruins of the 13thcentury chapel, containing lots of Campbell tombs furnished with skull and crossbone carvings. What about Scotland’s answer to Rome’s Coliseum? Crowning the hill above the centre of town is the Victorian monstrosity, McCaig’s Tower. Its construction was designed to provide work to the growing army of unemployed stonemasons.

Inspired by the Coliseum in Rome, the tower is a polariser in the aesthetic pleasing stakes, but the adjoining viewing platforms offer brilliant views across Oban and beyond. You came across a great family-run car rental company in Scotland. DCH Scotland is a fabulous, family-run rental car company who claim they won’t be beaten on price. And their customer service is second to none. . Why do you think Scotland is such a great self-drive destination? I’ve driven in a multitude in countries and Scotland would be my clear-favourite. It’s smaller than the South Island, the roads are top knotch, traffic volume is low, unlike England, and the scenery is superb. GETTING THERE. The main ferry terminal is based in Craignure, where you’ll arrive from the mainland port of Oban. A short drive brings you to Torosay Castle. Recently sold to a mystery Swiss buyer, this rambling Scottish baronial mansion is currently closed to the public. However, there is a beautiful woodland walk through the castle grounds, brimming with extravagant classic statuary, sculpted fountains, a Japanese garden, domed folly and rockery.

In 2008, the then oldest bottle of Veuve Clicquot was discovered by chance, inside a sideboard of the castle. The 1893 bottle was in mint condition. The “priceless” champagne is now on display at the Veuve Clicquot visitor centre in France.. The Caledonian Macbrayne car ferry service runs every two hours between Oban and the Isle of Mull. For full details on sailings, jump to ( As discussed on Mike’s travel slot, on Newstalk ZB’s Jack Tame Saturday Morning Show.) Share this: Isles of Mull and Iona – Scotland Info Guide A Guide to the Scottish Highlands Islands and Mainland Isles of Mull and Iona The Isle of Mull is the second largest island of the Inner Hebrides, off the west coast of Scotland in the council area of Argyll and Bute. Mull is the fourth largest Scottish island and has an area of 338 square miles. The coastline of Mull is almost 300 miles long. The population of Mull, Iona and Ulva is around 1,800 people which is probably doubled in the summer because of the many tourists that visit Mull each year.

Much of the population lives in Tobermory, the only burgh on Mull until 1973, and its capital. Mull is surrounded by the Sound of Mull in the north, the Firth of Lorn in the south and east and the Atlantic Ocean in the west. How to get to Mull and Iona: There are several ferries from the mainland to Mull; Oban to Craignure Mull (45 minutes, £65) Kilchoan to Tobermory Mull (15 minutes, £50) Lochaline to Fishnish Mull (15 minutes, £27) Prices are based on 1 car, two persons, return ticket, 2006) From Phionnaport on the most western tip of Mull there is a ferry to Iona History of Mull Mull has been inhabited since around 6000 BC. Bronze Age inhabitants built menhirs, brochs and a stone circle. In the 14th century Mull became part of the Lordship of the Isles. After the collapse of the Lordship in 1493 the island was taken over by the clan MacLean, and in 1681 by the clan Campbell.

During the Highland Clearances in the 18th and 19th centuries, the population fell from 10,000 to less than 4000. Flock of Oystercatchers near the Loch Wildlife on Mull The island is home to over 250 different bird species including the White-tailed Eagle, which was reintroduced in the nearby Island of Rùm and migrated to Mull, where they now have a stronghold. Minke whales, porpoises and dolphins are among the sea life that can be seen on boat tours from Mull. Tobermory, capital of Mull Tobermory (meaning “Mary’s Well”) is the capital of the Isle of Mull. It is located in the northeastern part Mull, near the northern entrance of the Sound of Mull. Its population is approximately 700 people. The town was founded as a fishing port in 1788 on a layout designed by Dumfriesshire engineer Thomas Telford. Many buildings in Tobermory, mostly shops and restaurants, are painted in different bright colours, making it a popular location for television programmes, and gives the town a unique character.

Important buildings in the town include Tobermory Clock Tower, a museum, the Tobermory Scotch whisky distillery, the Isle of Mull Brewery, and an arts centre. Ben More Ben More is the highest mountain and only Munro on the Isle of Mull. It is the highest peak in the Inner Hebrides outwith the Isle of Skye. The mountain is situated in the south of the island, above the shores of Loch na Keal. The peak is best reached from Loch na Keal, the walk following farm tracks, the side of a stream, and ultimately up scree slopes to the top. From the summit on a clear day, the view encompasses the Sound of Mull, Staffa, the Ross of Mull and Iona in the distance. From sea loch to summit is approximately a 4 hour walk. Duart Castle Standing on a clifftop guarding the Sound of Mull, Duart enjoys one of the most spectacular and unique positions on the West Coast of Scotland. Duart Castle has been the base of the Clan Maclean’s for over 400 years.

In 1991 Sir Lachlan Maclean, the present Clan Chief engaged Professor Sir James Dunbar Naismith to repair the castle. The main repairs were completed in 1995, but work on the castle still continues. Opening Times: From 1st May to 2nd October: The castle, tea-room and shop are open daily from 10.30am – 5.30pm. Outside this period the castle and grounds have restrictions on opening hours, check before you visit! Iona In 563 Saint Columba, exiled from his native Ireland, founded a monastery on Iona with 12 companions. From Iona they set about the conversion of pagan Scotland and much of northern England to Christianity. Iona’s fame as a place of learning and Christian mission spread throughout Europe. Iona became a holy island where several kings of Scotland, Ireland and Norway came to be buried. Notable burials on Iona include: King Donald II of Scotland, King Malcolm I of Scotland, King Duncan I of Scotland, King Macbeth of Scotland and King Donald III of Scotland.

Many believe that the Book of Kells was produced, in whole or in part, on Iona towards the end of the 8th century. In 1773 Iona was also visited by Samuel Johnson and James Boswell during their famous Tour of the Western Islands. Both Johnson and Boswell wrote famous travelogues of their journey. Iona has been a place of pilgrimage for 1500 years, and today some 140,000 people make their way here each year. Iona itself is three miles long and a mile and a half long. Iona can be reached by ferry from Fionnphort on Mull and will bring the visitor to Baile Mor which means Big Town. Iona differs much from Mull, there are no tall mountains but instead there are some lovely white beaches. Interesting sites on Iona are Iona Abbey which is home to the St John’s Cross in the Abbey museum, Iona Nunnery, St. Martins Cross and several other Celtic Crosses. Isle of Mull Railway The Isle of Mull Railway is Scotland’s only island passenger railway.

The railway is 1¼ miles long and operates steam and diesel hauled trains to Torosay, where you can visit Torosay Castle and 12 acres of prize-winning gardens and woodland walks. There is also a footpath from Torosay to Duart Castle (about 3 miles), ancestral home of the Clan MacLean. Mull Tobermory Whisky Distillery This famous, very small old distillery, the only one on the island of Mull, reopened in 1990 after being mothballed for 10 years. It has continued to market two products – a malt and a blend. The former, identified as Tobermory the Malt Scotch Whisky is presented in a bottle with an enamelled label. The whisky from this distillery is classified as an Highland whisky. The current owner is Burn Stewart. The distillery is open for visits from Easter – Oct: Mon – Fri 10am – 5pm and from Oct – Easter: By appointment. Staffa Staffa lies about 6 miles from the nearest point of Mull, and 9 km northeast of Iona.

Staffa is a small island and measure not even a mile long and a half mile wide, its highest point is 42 m (135 ft) above sea level. During the tourist season it is visited every weekday by boats from Oban and from Fionnphortand allow visitors to view the migratory puffins that settle on the island in the summer months, between May and September. Staffa is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland. Ulva Ulva is a privately owned island off the west coast of Mull. Until the mid-nineteenth century its main industry was kelp collection and export. A church on the island designed by Thomas Telford dates from this period. The island has a population of sixteen people and is known for its wildlife, which includes deer, buzzards, golden eagles and sea eagles. The Treshnish Isles The Treshnish Isles are an archipelago of small islands and skerries off the south-west coast of Mull. They are thus part of the Inner Hebrides.

From north to south, the larger islands include: Cairn na Burgh Beag, Cairn na Burgh More, Fladda, Sgeir an Eirionnaich, Sgeir a’ Chaisteil, Lunga, Bac Mór (also known as Dutchman’s Cap due to its shape) and Bac Beag. The islands are uninhabited and are owned by a charity, The Hebridean Trust. The Treshnish Isles are designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area due to their importance for breeding seabirds. They are also known for their Atlantic Grey Seals and ruined castles. Further Information: Wombles Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Edit The Wombles are fictional pointy-nosed, rodent-like, furry creatures that live in burrows, where they aim to help the environment by collecting and recycling rubbish in creative ways. Wombles were created by author Elizabeth Beresford , and originally appeared in a series of children's novels from 1968. Although Wombles supposedly live in every country in the world, Beresford's stories are concerned with the lives of the inhabitants of the burrow on Wimbledon Common in London, England.

The characters became nationally famous in the UK in the mid 1970s as a result of a very popular BBC children's television show using stop motion animation. A number of spin-off novelty songs also became major hits in the British music charts. The Wombles (band) was the brainchild of British music writer and composer, Mike Batt. The Womble motto is "Make Good Use of Bad Rubbish." This green message was a reflection of the growing ecology movement of the 1970s. Background Edit Elisabeth Beresford was a freelance ghost writer and children's book author. She was born in Paris and travelled the world with her BBC sports commentator husband Max Robertson. One Christmas, Elisabeth Beresford took her young children for a Boxing Day walk on Wimbledon Common, where one referred to it as "Wombledon Common." On getting home, Elisabeth Beresford wrote down the idea and started developing the characters and storylines. Characters Edit Beresford developed the characters around members of her family, and named them after places the family had associations with.

This is the list of young wombles: Orinoco - a shirker who loved sleep and food, styled on Beresford's teenage son and named after the River Orinoco in South America. Bungo - over-enthusiastic and bossy, named after Bungo Province in Japan. Wellington - scientifically inclined, but very insecure and absent-minded. Named after her nephew's school: Wellington School, Somerset. Tomsk - an athletic Womble with a rather low IQ, named after Tomsk in Russia. Alderney - Madame Cholet's assistant, named after Alderney in the Channel Islands where Beresford lived towards the end of her life. She appeared in the early books, but did not make it into the first TV series . Her character was revived in the second TV series , when many viewers wrongly assumed she was a new character Shansi - often paired with Alderney, as Bungo was with Orinoco, named after a Shanxi province in China. She was also not seen until the second TV series. Stepney - East Ender with dreadlocks, who got his name from the Stepney area in London's East End where he came from.

He was also not seen until the second TV series. Obidos - named after Óbidos, Pará in Brazil. Moosonee - Tomsk's penpal, named after a place in James Bay in Canada. This is the list of old wombles: Great Uncle Bulgaria - the Wombles' leader, based on Beresford's father-in-law and named after the country. Tobermory - an engineer, based on Beresford's brother, a skilled inventor, and named after the capital of the Isle of Mull, in the Scottish Inner Hebrides islands. Madame Cholet - a cook, styled on Beresford's mother and named after the town of Cholet in France. Cairngorm MacWomble the Terrible - named after the Cairngorms, a mountain range in Scotland. He was introduced in the second book (The Wandering Wombles) as a Highland Womble clan chief. He appeared in the TV series when he visited the Wimbledon burrow. Nanny Alexandria - Great Uncle Bulgaria's nanny, named after the ancient city in Egypt. Livingstone - an explorer, named after the British explorer Dr Livingstone.

Hoboken - an American tourist, named after a place in Belgium. In the first book, Bungo is the youngest and least experienced of the team, and the story is mostly viewed through his eyes. Later Wellington (who was not introduced until the second book) took over the role of "new boy". Alderney and Adelaide appeared in the earlier books but were not included in the original 1970s TV series. Alderney was re-introduced in the later TV shows produced in the 1990s (the Channel Island of Alderney was actually Elisabeth Beresford's home at the time), along with Stepney (who appeared in none of the earlier versions). The Storyline Edit Though it is stated that Wombles live all around the world, the collection upon which Beresford's collection of stories, as well as the television series and the music, are based, is the group living in Wimbledon Common in London, England. Below a certain age, all Wombles are nameless. Upon coming of age, a Womble chooses his name by looking through Great Uncle Bulgaria's large atlas until they find a name that suits them.

Some, like Bungo, "merely shut their eyes tight and point and hope for the best". They then leave Miss Adelaide's "Womblegarten" and join in the communal work of the burrow, which is mostly clearing up and recycling human refuse. The life expectancy of a Womble is over 200 years, with some reaching 300 (which would make them the longest-lived of all animal species). Wombles are vegetarians (herbivores more precisely) and are very fond of mushrooms. They eat a variety of plants, fungi, and tree products that Human Beings cannot, or will not, eat. So daisy buns, acorn juice, fir-cone soufflé, elm bark casserole and grassbread sandwiches are part of the Womble menu - augmented by any food left behind on the Common by Human Beings. Wombles are very careful to keep their existence secret from Human Beings - at least in the books and TV series. In the movie Wombling Free this is reversed as the Wombles seek to get Human Beings to listen to their "make good use of bad rubbish" pleas.

Otherwise secrecy is the rule, though there have been a few exceptions, such as Mr. Smith, a lonely senior citizen who is invited inside the Wombles burrow on Christmas Eve. They generally have a low opinion of other animals, though kind to them. They especially have a poor opinion of Human Beings, with the exception of royalty, especially the Queen. They dislike lies and lying, though on occasion they are known to stretch the truth or omit important details. There are other species and burrows of Wombles discovered throughout the series of books. The Loch Ness monster is revealed to be a clan of water Wombles and the yeti of the Himalayas are revealed to be giant snow-white Wombles. Wombles have a sixth sense which allows them to sense green spaces and wildlife, first mentioned in The Wandering Wombles, but developed to a keen long range telepathic sense by Dalai Gartok Womble in The Wombles Go Round The World. Wombles also apparently have retractable claws like cats, although they rarely use them. In the original editions of the books the Wombles are pictured as bear-like and between 4 and 5 feet (about 1.5 metres) in height.

Their size and appearance changed with the TV series, where they are portrayed as about knee high with pointy snouts, much like a raccoon's (although raccoons are not native to Britain). In the book and movie Wombling Free they are described as "short, fat, and furry", roughly between three or four feet (about 1 metre) in height. Children's novels The Wombles at Work (1973) The Wombles to the Rescue (1974) The Wombles Go Round the World (1976) All of these were out of print for many years, but through 2010 and 2011 they were re-issued by Bloomsbury with all-new illustrations. The last two books are less well known than the original three, perhaps because they appeared after the successful television series began. In The Wandering Wombles, the setting moved from Wimbledon Common to Hyde Park in central London. However The Wombles to the Rescuesaw them return to Wimbledon Common. Four of the books were illustrated by Margaret Gordon. The Wombles at Work (1973) was illustrated by Barry Leith.

The appearance of the Wombles in the books followed the design of the Ivor Wood TV puppets, with the exception of The Wombles(1968) which preceded the TV series and depicted the Wombles as teddy bear-like creatures. Wombles appearing in the books included: Great Uncle Bulgaria

Question: Which town on the Isle of Mull was also the name of a Womble?
Answer: Tobermory