Staffa (pronounced ‘staff’) is an island within the Inner Hebrides.

Staffa lies about 10 kilometers (6 miles) west of the Isle of Mull.

Staffa came to prominence in the latter part of the 18th century following a visit by Sir Joseph Banks. He and his fellow-travellers extolled the natural beauty of the basalt columns in general and Staffa’s main sea cavern.  It was Banks who renamed it ‘Fingal’s Cave’.  In the intervening years their visit has been followed by many other prominent personalities, including Queen Victoria, Felix Mendelssohn and thousands of tourists one small boat at a time!

Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture brought further fame to the island and the Isle of Mull hosts an annual Mendelssohn Festival.

Staffa is in the care of the National Trust for Scotland.

Staffa Stats

• Area: 33 hectares (82 acres)
• Elevation: 42 metres (138 ft)
• Population: 0
• Access: Open to Visitors
• Latitude: 56°25’0.02″
• Longitude: -6°19’59.99″