At Last... Lunga!

Sometimes the best adventures make you wait.

Our visit to the spectacular island of Lunga had already been cancelled twice because of weather, so by the time our third attempt arrived there was a mixture of excitement, hope and crossed fingers. This time, the sea was kind to us.

Accompanied by enthusiastic parents and families, we set off aboard Staffa Tours for a day that none of us will forget. Along the way we were greeted by curious seals before arriving at Lunga, where National Trust for Scotland ranger Emily Wilkins introduced us to one of Scotland's most internationally important seabird colonies.

Walking carefully through the island, we encountered Atlantic Puffins, Razorbills, Common Guillemots, Northern Fulmars, Shags, Cormorants and the magnificent Great Skua. Standing together overlooking Harp Rock, surrounded by thousands of seabirds, it was impossible not to feel part of something much bigger than ourselves. For many of the children, this was their first visit to Lunga, and it became an unforgettable opportunity to experience wildlife at close quarters while learning about the importance of protecting these fragile island habitats.

The visit formed a fitting conclusion to our exploration of island environments, connecting everything we had been learning through art and science about the sea, wildlife and the ecological links between the Hebrides and Svalbard. In addition to exploring the island’s ecology with Emily, the children spent time drawing and taking field notes in their sketchbooks, using binoculars and mini microscopes to see both the small and the big picture of life on this extraordinary island.

A very special thank you goes to Pal Grant and Staffa Tours, whose generous sponsorship made this expedition possible. Without their support, many of the children would not have had the opportunity to experience this extraordinary island and all that it has to teach us.

Some journeys are worth waiting for.