Islands

Staffa

Cultured people might tell you they visit Staffa to see Fingal's Cave. They'll sit on the basalt columns and listen to Mendelssohn's Hebrides Overture as the waves break on the rocks below. Maybe they'll tell you of Queen Victoria's visit to Staffa, or invoke tales of the British Romantics.

It's certainly an atmospheric place, but it's not the reason I like to visit the island.

In fact, I'd venture that there's only one reason why anyone ever returns to Staffa: for the puffins.

Ever ready to entertain the crowds, these small birds will fly up to greet anyone willing to sit patiently on the cliff tops for a few minutes. They're beautiful, charming and curious. They bring a smile to everyone's face yet always look terribly sad.

Staffa is well worth the trip. The birds will draw you back.