There is a unique magic hidden within the grain of a vintage 35mm slide. When the projector hums to life and that bright, dust-flecked beam of light hits the screen, it doesn’t just show a picture; it opens a portal. Today, I am thrilled to share a very special piece of my personal archive: two beautifully preserved slides of Calgary Bay on the Isle of Mull, captured during the summer of 1966.
These images offer more than just a scenic view; they are a quiet witness to a different era of Scottish travel, showcasing one of the Inner Hebrides' most iconic beaches before the age of mass tourism and digital immediacy.
The Untouched Beauty of Calgary Bay
Calgary Bay has long been regarded as one of the finest beaches in Scotland. Located on the north-west coast of the Isle of Mull, it is famous for its "machair"—the low-lying fertile grassy plain—and its startlingly white shell sand.
In these 1966 photographs, the timeless nature of the landscape is striking. In one view taken from an elevated, rocky vantage point, we see the bay's famous white sands shimmering under the soft Scottish light. The foreground is dominated by rugged rocks and patches of hardy coastal flora, likely purple heather or wild thyme, which still blankets the island today. Across the water, the dense woodland and the gentle rise of the hills frame the beach in a way that feels sheltered and ancient.
A Snapshot of 1960s Adventure
The second slide in the collection provides a wonderful "human interest" element that perfectly captures the spirit of mid-century motoring. We see a classic white car, likely an Austin or Morris of the era, parked right at the edge of the grassy machair overlooking the Atlantic. Beside it, a figure sits in a folding chair, perhaps taking in the evening air or waiting for the kettle to boil on a portable stove.
In 1966, a trip to Mull was a true expedition. The roads were almost entirely single-track with passing places, and the ferries were smaller and less frequent than the modern CalMac fleet we know today. This image encapsulates the "slow travel" movement decades before it had a name—the simple joy of finding a quiet spot, turning off the engine, and letting the silence of the Hebrides wash over you.
The 35mm Aesthetic: Why Film Matters
Looking at these slides, you notice a colour palette that modern digital sensors struggle to replicate. The blues of the water have a deep, cinematic quality, and the greens of the hills are rich and organic.
The Grain: There is a physical texture to these images that tells you they were made of light hitting silver halide crystals.
The Atmosphere: The 1966 light feels softer, perhaps filtered through a different quality of Atlantic mist or simply preserved by the chemical aging of the slide itself.
The Story: Every slide in a collection like this represents a deliberate choice. In 1966, you only had 24 or 36 exposures on a roll. You didn't "burst" twenty photos of the same wave; you waited for the right moment.
Calgary Bay: Then and Now
While much of the world has changed since 1966, Calgary Bay remains remarkably preserved. Thanks to its remote location and the stewardship of the local community, you can still stand on those same rocks today and see a view that is almost identical to the one captured in these slides.
However, the "wild camping" feel seen in the photo with the car has become more regulated to protect the fragile machair environment. Today, visitors are encouraged to use designated areas to ensure that the white sands and rare wildflowers remain for another sixty years.
Why Visit Calgary Bay Today?
The Sand: The sand is made largely of crushed shells, giving it a brilliant white glow even on overcast days.
The Art: The nearby "Art in Nature" woodland walk features sculptures hidden among the trees.
The Wildlife: It is a prime spot for seeing White-tailed Sea Eagles soaring over the headlands.
The History: From the ruins of abandoned villages nearby to these 1960s memories, the bay is a layer cake of Scottish history.
Preserving the Past
Sharing these 35mm slides is a reminder of the importance of physical archives. In an age where we take thousands of photos on our phones that are often never looked at again, these two slides have survived over half a century to tell us a story about a car, a beach, and a quiet moment in the sun.
Whether you are a fan of vintage photography, a lover of the Isle of Mull, or someone who appreciates the nostalgia of the 1960s, I hope these images transport you to the water's edge at Calgary Bay.
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