Visit the Isle of Ulva website for practical visitor details (boats, opening times, places to stay and eat). The information below explains Ulva’s community ownership and current priorities.
Community ownership
The community buy‑out of the Isle of Ulva completed on 21 June 2018, bringing Ulva back into community hands to support a resilient local economy, culture, and environment.
Ulva will be a viable, vibrant and demographically balanced community with an increased resident population. It will be an accessible, well-serviced community that contributes to the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the wider North West Mull area and its residents.
— Isle of Ulva Social & Economic Development Plan (2020)
Read the full plan on ulva.scot
At the time of purchase, only five people lived on the island. The charity’s aspiration was to rebuild population and opportunity over time: doubling within five years, reaching around 20 residents within 10 years, and ultimately welcoming 30 or more year‑round residents over two decades. That vision is now firmly on track, with Ulva being a home to 19 full‑time residents (October 2025) including families and small business owners.
Guiding aims
- Provide security of tenure for existing and future residents
- Improve housing stock and other buildings
- Improve infrastructure
- Revitalise and expand agriculture
- Manage forestry sustainably and seek new opportunities
- Unlock the very large tourism potential largely untapped at present
- Care for and promote the cultural heritage of the island
- Enhance biodiversity and conserve sensitive habitats and species
- Safeguard natural habitats of the isolated associated islands and skerries
- Support Marine Industries, Fishing and Aquaculture
What’s happening now
Ulva House & Walled Garden
Restoration under way to create a boutique B&B with community space and an office for the charity. The previously overgrown part of the walled garden is being brought back into use for community food growing and learning.
Paths & access
Ongoing work to improve key routes, drainage, bridges and wayfinding so that residents and visitors can explore Ulva safely and responsibly across an extensive island path network.
Island maintenance capacity
A dedicated Maintenance Operative role now supports day-to-day repairs, track upkeep, water and waste systems, and estate assets, reducing reliance on external contractors.
Local enterprise & markets
Support for small businesses and makers is growing, with plans for a community-led producers’ market to showcase island products and craft.
Marine access & resilience
Work is progressing on options for a community landing craft designed to transport larger goods, materials, vehicles, and equipment that cannot be carried by the regular Ulva passenger ferry. This will help maintain essential services, support projects, and strengthen long-term island resilience.
Visiting Ulva
Ulva is a short boat trip from Mull and a special place to explore. Please plan ahead and check the Isle of Ulva website for current boat times and visitor services. While visiting:
- Stick to paths and tracks and follow signs – some routes cross sensitive habitats or working areas.
- Respect wildlife and livestock, keeping dogs under close control.
- Use the new ‘Bag It, Tie It, Bin It’ dog waste bins provided at key points around the island.
- Leave no trace – take litter home and use provided facilities.
- Be weather-wise – conditions change quickly; carry suitable clothing, maps, and water.
How to support
- Volunteer or partner on conservation, heritage, access, or events.
- Invest and donate to help restore buildings, improve paths and bridges, and build local capacity.
- Choose local – stay, eat, and buy island and Mull products.
You can also support Ulva directly through our Isle of Ulva fundraising page on Enthuse, which helps fund essential maintenance, access improvements, and community projects.
For offers of help or to discuss partnership and funding opportunities, please use the Contact page.
