Staffa works completed as National Trust celebrates 40 years
Years of work to build new infrastructure on Staffa has been completed just in time for the island’s 40th anniversary under the care of the National Trust for Scotland.
Staffa came into the care of the Trust in 1986 as a gift from John Elliott Jr. of New York, in honour of his wife Elly’s birthday. Fifteen years later, in 2001, Staffa was designated as a National Nature Reserve.
The island is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, sits within the Loch na Keal, Isle of Mull National Scenic Area, and the sea around Staffa is a Marine Protected Area and Special Area of Conservation, so it is an important place for both nature conservation and for tourism, with visitor numbers growing in recent years.
Staffa is famous not only for its nesting puffin colony, but the marine life, particularly whales and dolphins, which are often seen in its surrounding waters.
This increase in visitation has led to the Trust investing in significant repairs to infrastructure that was more than three decades old and no longer fit for the foot-traffic Staffa faces each summer.
Over the last two autumn and winter periods, Mull’s TSL Contractors have been hard at work building a new accessible staircase and landing jetty, able to withstand more extreme weather.
Repairs and improvements were also made to the first section of path towards the famous Fingal’s Cave.
The works were facilitated by helicopter, and due to their late year timeframe, were carried out under difficult weather conditions.
Now with the work complete, access to the island is easier, more resistant, and less congested.
Clea Warner, Regional Director of the Highlands & Islands at the National Trust for Scotland, said: “Staffa is a magnificent island with incredible nature, history, and unique geological features that have amazed visitors for centuries.
"While once upon a time, Queen Victoria, Lord Tennyson, and Jules Verne were drawn in by the wonder of Fingal’s Cave, it’s important to us that we also share the special wildlife that can be seen at this National Nature Reserve.
“Our team of rangers on Staffa do a wonderful job caring for the species that call Staffa home and protecting them as best we can for the future. Our seabirds are extremely vulnerable this year due to fears around avian flu, so we want to ensure they have the best possible breeding season.
"At the same time, visitors to the island will have the opportunity to engage with these experts to learn more about puffins, great skua, rare butterflies, grey seals, summer flowers such as Devil’s-bit scabious, and all the other species found on Staffa."
Will Boyd-Wallis, the National Trust for Scotland’s Operations Manager for the North West Highlands, said: “This is a milestone year in the Trust’s care for Staffa and there is so much for us to celebrate.
"We have just completed an extremely complex infrastructure project made even more challenging by weather and difficulties accessing Staffa over the winter.
"However, with thanks to TSL Contractors Ltd, Eurosafe UK, and Wallace Stone, we now have a jetty and a staircase that are fit for purpose and ready to welcome the volume of visitors coming to this special island."
Argyll and Bute Council Leader, Councillor Jim Lynch, said: “It’s great news that the National Trust for Scotland has now completed works to improve access and protect the unique environment of this iconic island.
"Staffa is a must-see destination for people visiting Argyll and Bute. We’re proud to have supported the project that will bring benefits to the local community and visitors.”
Why not try these links to see what our West Coast AI can tell you.
(Please note this is an experimental service)
Sign up to our daily Newsletter
Permission Statement
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.
You may also like
Take a pew for pilates
History society takes tour of Auchindrain
Unbeatable Oban ladies take Majorca by storm
Summer of Sport fund launched
Sign up to our daily Newsletters
Permission Statement
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.
© 2026 Wyvex Media Limited.