a small Scottish island looks so wonderfully weird that it seems like it's on “another planet”. Scotland has a staggering amount of small islands with approx 800 exist.
However, some are more worth a visit than others. Many boast glorious stretches of coastline and breathtaking landscapes but others are remote and have little to offer tourists.
One of them, called Staffa, is now attracting attention because of the idiosyncrasy of its natural features that look different. Staffa was little known until 1772 when a botanist named Joseph Banks highlighted the island's wild natural beauty.
It quickly became a must-see location with its famous visitors including Queen Victoria, Lord Tennyson, Jules Verne, Robert Louis Stevenson and John Keats.
The National Trust for Scotland explains more about the small island on its website. It read: “Escape the mundane!
“This small island (½ mile long and ¼ mile wide) off the west coast of Scotland looks like it's from another planet.
“The hexagonal columns were formed millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions and a huge blanket of lava spreading into the Atlantic Ocean. Years of waves crashing against these columns created the magnificent Fingal's Cave.'
It is explained that Staffa came into the care of the National Trust for Scotland in 1986. The island was a gift from John Elliott Jr. from New York in honor of his wife Elly's birthday and it was designated a national wildlife refuge in 2001.
Staffa has few tourists, but those who have been there are also fascinated by what is on offer.
Many have taken to travel review website Tripadvisor to share more about their trips to Staffa. One said: “Staffa, what a place.”
They added: “This is undoubtedly one of the best trips I have ever taken. £30 for a boat, an hour on the island, a life to remember. Out of this world…” Another said: “Amazing island.
“This Hebrides island is a small, uninhabited, rocky island that can be reached by boat and is known for its unusual basalt formations and Fingal's Cave.
“Fingal's Cave is simply spectacular, but if you walk to the top of the island the views are amazing too.”