The Scottish Highlands historically had few towns, and the village of Tobermory resulted from a deliberate move to encourage large-scale fishing off the western coast. A local landmark, in Gaelic Tobar Mhoire ('well of Mary'), is the source of the town's name. From its founding in 1788, Tobermory has become a major service center for Mull and places nearby, even though its role as a fishing base has diminished. The history of Tobermory Bay goes back two centuries before the town: in 1588 Highlanders sank a Spanish galleon. In more peaceful times, Tobermory has also become known for a whiskey named after the town. To see other pictures of Tobermory, press here.