Major project commences to upgrade Staffa’s landing jetty
Visitor numbers to Staffa have risen dramatically in recent years and the existing access infrastructure requires urgent improvement and repair. We are currently making improvements to the landing facilities to reduce congestion and improve the experience of the tens of thousands of annual visitors when arriving and leaving the island. These significant works will take place over the autumn and winter months, during which time access to the jetty will be closed, with a projected reopening date in spring 2025.
This phase of infrastructure upgrades is part of a complex multi-year project that also includes work to replace the staircase to the upper island and puffin colony. These works are being undertaken with great care for nature, especially seabirds; all work has been scheduled to avoid seabird breeding seasons. The Trust has appointed TSL Contractors Ltd to carry out the work on the landing jetty, based nearby at Craignure on Mull. An Environmental Clerk of Works will be monitoring the environmental and wildlife impact, and a biosecurity and breeding bird protection plan is in place.
Clea Warner, Regional Director of the Highlands & Islands at the National Trust for Scotland, said: ‘Staffa is loved by many, drawing visitors from all over the world, and it is an important site for cultural and natural heritage. With its wildlife, geology and dramatic scenery, more and more people want to come and experience this extraordinary wonder of nature for themselves.’
Staffa has been in the care of the National Trust for Scotland 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. The Staffa infrastructure project is supported by Argyll and Bute Council and VisitScotland through the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund.
Will Boyd-Wallis, Operations Manager for the North West Highlands at the National Trust for Scotland, said: ‘This is an extremely challenging and ambitious project to upgrade the visitor infrastructure on Staffa. The island’s wildlife and geology are our top priority, so we are undertaking the improvements outside of the seabird breeding season and at the least busy time of year for visitors. This means that the work must be done in the winter months, when days are shortest and the weather and sea conditions can be at their most severe.’
Will continued: ‘We’d like to thank Argyll and Bute Council and VisitScotland for the funding they have provided to support this project, and the boat operators in the region for their assistance and cooperation during the jetty closure. This investment in such an iconic Scottish place will benefit the care of Staffa, the local community and tourism in the region for many years to come.’
The Staffa project supports the National Trust for Scotland’s vision to care for, protect and share Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage for everyone, as outlined in our 10-year strategy, launched in 2022.
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