Ulva — Inner Hebrides island off Mull: geography, history and demographic change

Ulva (Ulbha), a small Inner Hebrides island off Mull, examines its rugged coast, crofting landscape, dramatic decline from ~600 residents in the 1800s to ~16 today, and ties to Lachlan Macquarie.

Ulva (Gaelic: Ulbha) is a small island lying off the west coast of the Isle of Mull, in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. It is known for its rugged coastline, crofting landscape and relatively small community.

Population and historical change

Today the permanent population is very small—around 16 residents—while in the early 19th century the island supported a much larger community of roughly 600 people. This decline took place over the 1800s and was driven by factors such as emigration and changes in land use that affected many islands and rural areas of Scotland.

Notable figures

Ulva is the birthplace of Lachlan Macquarie, who became a governor of New South Wales and is often described as the "Father of Australia" for his influence on the colony's early development.

Quick facts

Gaelic name: Ulbha
Location: off the west coast of Mull in the Inner Hebrides
Modern population: about 16
Population around 1800s: approximately 600