Puffins on Staffa

The captain of the boat had suggested that, after visiting the cave, we should walk to the other end of the island and sit down on the grass on the headland. This took about 15 minutes but it was a pleasant walk. After sitting down for 5 minutes Puffins started to arrive only a few yards from us. They were quite happy to sit with us and, we were told, we supplied them with protection from the sea gulls. They normally stay at sea until it gets dark because the gulls would otherwise attach them. However, they have learnt that the gulls will not attack them if there are humans near by. It was a truly magical experience to be able to sit on the grass with the Puffins arriving and departing so close by.

After collecting us, the boatman returned us to the mainland and we finished the best day so far by driving around the rest of the island of Mull.

Fingal’s Cave, Staffa

Instead of going back on the ferry to Mull, I had been able to arrange for us to go by local boat to the island of Staffa. Staffa is a beautiful, uninhabited island, home to hundreds of sea birds and set within waters teeming with marine life. But the island is best known for its magnificent basalt columns – not unlike the ‘Giants Causeway’ in Ireland. The captain of the boat had to ram it against the stone pier so that we could land to visit Fingal’s Cave (Musical Cave).

We had to walk along a cliff face, with only a handrail to stop us falling into the wild sea. Needless to say, the boat we came on had notices warning that we did so at our own risk! However, the tricky journey was well worthwhile because we were able to climb into the cave itself, which was an amazing experience.