Revamp of tiny Staffa's jetty and steps completed

A nine-month project to improve visitor access to the uninhabited isle of Staffa has been completed.

National Trust for Scotland (NTS) said it was one of the most complex projects it had undertaken due to the location and weather conditions.

Boats and helicopters were needed to get the materials and contractors to and from Staffa for the work upgrading a 30-year-old jetty and set of steps.

Staffa is famed for its hexagonal basalt rock columns, which were formed by ancient volcanic eruptions, as well as its Fingal's Cave and birdlife.

The tiny island, seven miles (11km) west of Mull, in the Inner Hebrides, attracts about 120,000 tourists a year.

Many people visit to see its puffins and Fingal's Cave, which inspired a piece of music by 19th century German composer Felix Mendelssohn.

The sea cave was formed more than 50 millions years ago, and is at least 69m (227ft) long.

The island's jetty and steps up to the top of the island, along with footpaths, were upgraded at a cost of about £1.6m.

The concrete steps were dyed the same colour as the natural rock to better blend them into the landscape.

NTS said the work was done during autumn, winter and spring to avoid causing disruption to wildlife and visitors.

But the trust said difficult weather conditions over the winter meant many scheduled working days were lost because crews could not access the island, or because extreme waves made the jetty unsafe to work on.