Next phase of Staffa infrastructure project begins
In recent years, we have undertaken significant repair works on this Inner Hebridean island to manage the increase in visitor numbers. Previous access infrastructure on Staffa National Nature Reserve was more than three decades old and was no longer suitable for the volume of people coming each year to experience the island’s incredible nature, wildlife and geology.
This next phase of work includes the replacement of the staircase to the upper island and puffin colony. The new stairs will be wider, stronger, less steep and more able to withstand extreme weather events.
The work will also include repairs and improvements to the first section of path that leads towards Fingal’s Cave. One of the island’s key draws, the cave’s famous hexagonal rock columns have been viewed by Queen Victoria, Lord Tennyson, Jules Verne, Robert Louis Stevenson and John Keats, and continue to welcome tens of thousands of visitors annually.
Last year, we undertook a nine-month programme of work to install a new landing jetty on Staffa, battling significant weather challenges over the winter. The new infrastructure has reduced congestion when arriving and leaving the island. When the current phase of work is complete in March 2026, the improvements to the jetty, paths and stairs will make it safer and easier for people to explore all that Staffa has to offer.
To mitigate disruption to wildlife and the busiest time of the visitor season, all major work on Staffa is carried out during the autumn, winter and spring months, with great care for nature and with special consideration for seabirds.
Clea Warner, Regional Director of the Highlands & Islands, said: ’Staffa is a magical place that draws people from around the world, and we are working hard to ensure that every visitor has the best possible experience.
’As a conservation charity, it is our responsibility to both share and protect Staffa, and the work we are doing to improve the infrastructure is a key part of the Trust’s 10-year strategy to care for, share and protect Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage for everyone to enjoy. This responsibility includes improving overall accessibility and the efficiency of people’s time on the island. These investments address these issues and should create a long-term improvement in the visitor experience.’
Based on the Isle of Mull, TSL Contractors Ltd are undertaking the work on the staircase and path, with support from Eurosafe UK and Wallace Stone. A biosecurity and breeding bird protection plan is in place, and any environmental or wildlife impacts will be monitored.
The Staffa infrastructure project is also being supported by officers from Argyll and Bute Council and funded by the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF). The RTIF was established by the Scottish Government and is managed by VisitScotland to support strategic infrastructure projects in rural parts of Scotland.
Will Boyd-Wallis, Operations Manager for the North West Highlands, said: ’This is a complex project, made all the more challenging by unpredictable weather and difficulties in accessing Staffa over the winter months. We are working hard to maximise efficiency on every available working day.
’We’d like to express our huge gratitude to Argyll and Bute Council, VisitScotland and the Scottish Government, as well as our members and donors, for their ongoing support for this project, which is vital for enabling continued access to Staffa and for local businesses.’
The investments we’re making will benefit visitors, the local community and tourism in the region for many years to come.
David Adams McGilp, VisitScotland’s Regional Director, said: ’The Isle of Staffa is an internationally recognised destination, and this project can play an important role in helping to preserve its geology and wildlife. Replacing the visitor staircase on Staffa delivers one of the priority projects identified by the Argyll and Bute Strategic Tourism Infrastructure Development Plan.
’Our commitment to responsible tourism means working with destinations like Staffa, enabling visitors to experience this unique landscape, while protecting Scotland’s natural heritage.’
Councillor Jim Lynch, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, said: ’It’s great news that work is starting on the next stage of this ambitious project by the National Trust for Scotland. This step will build on years of dedicated work to improve access and protect the unique environment of this beautiful island. I look forward to seeing the benefits this will bring for visitors and the local community.’
Staffa has been in the care of the Trust since 1986. It’s a world-famous National Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and sits in the centre of the Loch na Keal, Isle of Mull National Scenic Area. The sea around Staffa is also a Marine Protected Area and Special Area of Conservation.
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Volcanic rock columns are home to black guillemots, fulmars, puffins and the magical Fingal’s Cave
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