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| The Island of Staffa (Island of Pillars) with its extraordinary basaltic formations. These are the result of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, and later complex subterranean disturbances. The most well known and impressive feature is Fingal's Cave, which is 227 feet long, and 66 feet high (the depth of the sea in the cave is also about 60 feet at mean tide). It was this cave which inspired Mendelssohn to write 'Die Fingalshöle' or Hebrides Overture, when he visited the island in the early 19th Century. Today its possible to take very enjoyable half-day sea cruises to the island with the local company Turus Mara. |
Photographs courtesy of Ann Ward Copyright © 1997. |