Mull, or Mal-eus, was notable enough to be mentioned by Ptolemy,
in 125AD.  Because it was situated along the pathways taken by a
number of historical migrations, its history has been turbulent as
well as long.  The Picts, the Celts/Scots, and the Norse/Danes have
all inhabited this area at various times.  We will never know which,
if any, of these peoples were the ancestors of the McG's but we can
surmise they all had a major impact and lasting influence on our
family.

Mull is the 3rd largest island in the Hebrides which lie off the west
coast of Scotland.  It is about 30 miles long and wide.  Once noted
for its woods, it was stripped of trees and most present forests are
silly looking little 'tree farms'.  The island is quite barren, with large
hills covered in fern and rocky outcrops.  The little available arable
land has poor soil.  There are very few 'natives' remaining as most
of the land is now occupied by 'outsiders' who often leave in the
winter; when it rains even more than usual.  The southern coast is
noted for its spectacular cliffs, especially around Carsaig Bay which
has its Arches and the Nun's Cave.  This site was used for the 1945
film 'I Know Where I'm Going'.

Carsaig and the valley of Glen Liddle were part of the homeland of
McGilvray of Pennyghael.  This clan also held Glen Cannel at the
head of Loch Ba and likely encompased all of Brolass at one time. 
The McG's have a long recorded history, as they were mentioned as
one of the main supporters of Somerled, a Norse/Celt lord who
recaptured this region from the Vikings c1150.  At that time the
McG's regained their Mull lands which they very likely had acquired
during the period of St Columba (c575AD).  This Irish churchman
was responsible for converting much of North Britain to Christianity
and for laying the foundation of the Abbey of Iona.  This small
island lies off the sw tip of Mull.


Other major Mull Clans were; 
       - McLean of Duart
       - Maclaine of Lochbuie
       - McKinnon
       - McQuarrie
       - McArthur