Mullach Buidhe

Rising steeply from the Firth of Clyde, this Marilyn is the high point of Holy Island, off the coast of Arran. The ascent through rock and gorse is short but sharp, leading to a summit with an exceptional perspective on the jagged granite skyline of Goatfell and the Glen Rosa hills.

• •The name Mullach Buidhe translates from Scottish Gaelic as 'Yellow Summit.' This likely refers to the colour of the grasses or lichens found on its rocky outcrops compared to the greener slopes below.
• •The hill sits on an island with a long spiritual history, once the home of 6th-century hermit Saint Molaise. Today, the land is owned by a Tibetan Buddhist community who maintain the paths and run a centre for peace at the island's north end.
• •The slopes are home to a unique mix of hardy residents, including ancient breeds like Soay sheep and feral goats, as well as Eriskay ponies introduced to graze the rough hill land.
• •Access to the hill is usually via a small ferry from Lamlash. The 'Pillar Way' is the most direct route to the summit trig point, passing white Buddhist stupas and rock carvings along the lower shore path.
• •From the 162-metre top, the view across Lamlash Bay provides a perfect perspective of the Arran mountains to the west, particularly the sharp profile of Goatfell.
• •Despite its modest stature, the climb starts at sea level, meaning you are doing more uphill work than on many inland hills twice its height.