Lunga

You vist Lunga to see the Puffins

The stunning Isle of Lunga is the largest island in the Treshnish archipelago. Of volcanic origin, Lunga has been described as 'a green jewel in a peacock sea'. Lunga still bears the remains of blackhouses. The highest recorded number was 29 in 1794, declining to 15 by 1891 and only 5 by 1931. It is difficult to say exactly when the Lunga village was abandoned. Fraser Darling stated in 1940 that the villagers left “eighty years ago”, and H. Haswell-Smith, in “The Scottish Islands” says that “year-round occupation ended in1824” when one Donald Campbell and his dependents left, but regular summer occupation continued until 1857. The graves of some of the islanders are to be found in the churchyard at Kilchattan on nearby Luing. To the northeast of the island lie the remains of the ruined village, which was abandoned in 1857.

These days the Hebridean Trust owns Lunga and the Treshnish Isles. The purchase was completed in 2000.

Abundant plant life and exotic birdlife are now the main inhabitants of the area. Fortunate visitors view the magnificent array of birds, especially the great puffins that breed on the islands plateau. One can sit within just a few feet away without disturbing the avian ambassador’s peace. The 81 hectare island is home to many rare and endangered plants, such as primroses and orchids. Views over the landscape and across the ocean can be seen from the 300 foot high cliffs.

There was never a strong population since the small island and its meager meadows wouldn’t support more. In 1857 Donald Campbell and his family left the islands, the last to have permanently lived there. In medieval times, the Treshnish Isles had been a bit more popular. On the adjacent island of Cairn na Burgh Mòr, there was even a small castle. Norths sagas tell us of King Hakon of Norway assigning the property to Ewan MacDougall in 1249. While the castles passed on to different clans a couple of times throughout history, it was nevertheless occupied until the late 18th century. By then the MacLeans were in charge on the Treshnish Isles.

After a challenging wet landing onto slippery rocks, we had a challenging climb and hike over rocks and ledges to get a closer look at the beautiful Puffins. The return to the zodiacs ( due to a changing tide) was possibly a little more challenging. But at the end of the day we did see Puffins, up close and personal. Literally within a few feet. I certainly felt that I had seen Puffins after visiting Lunga

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