Scotland is a land of myths, legends, and untamed beauty, and few places capture its wild, mystical essence quite like the Hebridean islands of Mull, Iona, and Staffa.
Nestled off the West Coast, these islands offer a delightful mix of rugged landscapes, ancient history, and wildlife-filled seascapes that transport visitors to a land that seems untouched by time.
From the brooding mountains of Mull to the spiritual serenity of Iona and the volcanic marvel of Staffa, each of these three islands has its own story to tell. A tale of battles and kings, monks and Vikings, and the relentless forces of nature shaping the land over the centuries.
In this blog, we will discover the many attractions of these Hebridean Isles.
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Mull: The Wild Heart of the Inner Hebrides
The Isle of Mull is the largest of the three islands, a dramatic sweep of moorland, mountains, and rugged coastline.
The journey to Mull itself is an adventure - most visitors arrive by ferry from Oban, crossing the Firth of Lorn to reach Craignure, Mull’s main port.
As you enjoy the sail, look out for dolphins that often escort the ferry during the short crossing.
Tobermory: A Picture-Perfect Port
Tobermory, the colourful capital of the Isle of Mull, feels like something lifted straight from a storybook. Its pastel-painted houses line the waterfront, their colours reflecting in the harbour waters on calm days.
Founded in the late 18th century as a fishing port, Tobermory is now a lively little town, full of cosy pubs, independent shops and the irresistible smell of fresh local seafood. It’s also home to the celebrated Tobermory Distillery, where island-made whiskies reflect Mull’s distinctive character.
Adding to the intrigue is the local legend of a Spanish galleon from the Spanish Armada that sank in the bay in 1588, with its treasure still hidden beneath the waves.
Duart Castle: A Sentinel of the Past
Standing defiantly on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Sound of Mull, Duart Castle is the ancestral seat of the Clan MacLean, one of Scotland’s most powerful clans. Built in the 13th century, the castle has witnessed numerous battles and sieges, including the attack by Argyll government troops in 1647.
Duart Castle offers visitors historic exhibits, stunning coastal views, and beautifully restored rooms. Highlights include the Great Hall, dungeons, and the Clan Maclean Museum.
The views from the battlements stretch across the water, towards the distant peaks of mainland Scotland, which rise like sentinels.
Wildlife and Wilderness
Mull is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The island is one of the best places in Scotland to spot white-tailed sea eagles - majestic birds with an almost mythical presence, soaring high above the sea cliffs. Red deer roam the moors, while otters can be glimpsed slipping through kelp-covered shores.
The waters surrounding Mull are rich with life, and boat trips offer the chance to see seals, porpoises, and even minke whales breaking the surface.
For the intrepid, a hike up Ben More, Mull’s highest peak, is a challenging but rewarding experience, and on reaching the summit, it offers breathtaking island vistas, and on a clear day, the summit of Ben Cruachan can be seen.
Iona: The Sacred Isle
A short ferry hop from Mull’s west coast brings you to the Isle of Iona, a small island with an outsized place in Scottish history. Pilgrims have travelled here for centuries, ever since St Columba arrived from Ireland in 563 AD with twelve companions and founded a monastery, bringing Christianity to Scotland.
Iona Abbey: A Beacon of Faith
At the heart of the island stands Iona Abbey. The original monastery suffered repeated Viking raids, but its spirit endured.
Today’s abbey, carefully restored in the 20th century, is calm and contemplative, its pale stone walls carrying a deep sense of peace.
The Celtic crosses seen on Iona are among the finest and most influential examples of early Christian art in Britain. Carved from local stone between the 8th and 10th centuries, these tall, ringed crosses are richly decorated with intricate knotwork, biblical scenes and symbolic animals.
Nearby, Reilig Òdhrain is said to be the burial place of dozens of Scottish kings — even, according to legend, Macbeth himself. True or not, the atmosphere here is undeniably moving.
The Magic of Iona’s Shores
Step away from the abbey, and Iona opens out into dazzling white sands and clear, turquoise seas. St Columba’s Bay, where the saint is believed to have landed, feels wonderfully remote and a place made for reflection and slow wandering.
Staffa: The Island of Columns and Caves
If Mull is wild and Iona serene, then Staffa is pure, raw wonder. A volcanic island rising from the Atlantic like a fortress of Ibasalt, Staffa is famed for Fingal’s Cave, a sea cavern formed by hexagonal columns of cooled lava.
Fingal’s Cave: A Cathedral of Nature
Approaching Staffa by boat, the first thing that strikes you is the perfection of its basalt cliffs. These towering natural basalt columns, formed by ancient volcanic activity, seem almost too precise to be real.
Legend has it that the giant, Fingal, built the Cave as part of a connection between the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland and Scotland so he could confront the Scottish giant Benandonner. The Cave’s unique acoustics are said to echo Fingal’s majestic voice.
Orchestral magic
The sound of the waves that roll into its cavernous depths creates an eerie, echoing symphony of sound so haunting and beautiful that it inspired Felix Mendelssohn’s famous overture, The Hebrides.
The Cave’s Gaelic name, Uamh-Binn, means “The Melodious Cave,” an apt description for this natural amphitheatre of sound and light.
Puffins and Sea Life
Staffa is also a paradise for birdwatchers, especially during the summer months when puffins nest on its cliffs. These comical, colourful seabirds are delightfully fearless, allowing visitors to get surprisingly close.
The island’s remoteness makes it a haven for other seabirds too, including guillemots and razorbills.
The surrounding waters are home to pods of dolphins and even basking sharks, creatures that glide through the depths like ghosts of the sea.
Mull, Iona and Staffa Tour from Scottish Tours
To visit these delightful islands, all you need to do is hop aboard the 4-day Mull, Iona and Staffa tour, which operates weekly from Edinburgh between June and August.
You can venture further afield to explore many of Scotland’s islands with Scottish Tours, including Arran, Barra, Harris, Islay, Lewis, Orkney and the Shetlands.
Check our programme of Scotland Tours and book today.
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