Balamory Advice

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Tobermory, where the filming took place is, just a small village and is on two levels.  The lower level is next to the sea and has most of the shops and facilities on it.  Edie McCredie, and Susie Sweets’ houses are on this level.  The rest of the houses are on the upper level, for example Miss Hooley's, Josie Jump's, P.C. Plumb's and Spencer’s houses.   If you are going to do the tour of the houses and you are coming in by bus,  it is a very good idea to start on the upper level and work your way down.  (Click here to see the bus map). To do the walk in this way, you would leave the bus at the fire station in Breadalbane Street.  This is particularly a good idea if you have a push–chair or mobility problems.  The hill out of Tobermory is steep and rises about 150 feet.  A good idea might be to pop into An Tobar after passing Spencer’s house and have a drink, and perhaps use the toilets.  An Tobar is our arts centre and they propose to have children’s workshops and displays throughout the summer.  Activities in the town are limited and so this might help pass the time a little before the children get tired.

Facilities in the town are designed for far less numbers that have visited throughout this summer, and so delays can be expected at our public toilets and some of the more popular restaurants and cafes. It should also be noted that there are no designated baby changing facilities in town.  There is enough room in the female toilets on the lower level, main street, to change a baby on the work surface next to the sinks.  This situation is not good, however, we are trying to get this rectified  by the council.  The beach in Tobermory is not extensive but is present during low water.  We are hoping to get more sand delivered to increase this area; this is expensive and we need to raise funds.  It has been expressed at a local meeting that the B.B.C. could possibly help here to add to the look of the town’s appearance, as they are not paying for an expensive set.  We will see?

Road safety can be a problem on the Main Street.  Although the traffic is not heavy, or going very fast, the street gives a false sense of security.  When children are tired and excited in combination they tend to act quickly and erratically.  Parents also feel very safe on the Mull, and crime is almost not heard of.  The temptation is to relax.  No accidents have yet been reported involving young children; however, we are concerned that there is a real risk of injury.  Please try and keep to the footpaths with young children.  Tobermory is not a pedestrian zone, even though it sometimes feels like it with the relaxed feel of the street.

Activities for the very young are limited.  There are plans to have theatre workshops for  young children and plans are also afoot to have an animal-hands-on farm just outside the town.  The Chocolate factory holds workshops for children, as does the 'paint a pot' up at Baliscate (moving to Glengorm during 2004).  The beach is limited, although there are good walks around the area.  The play park is on the top of the hill, next to the school, and near Josie Jump's House.