Staffa is a tiny uninhabited island lying about three miles north-east of Iona in the Hebrides. It is less than a mile wide in any direction. It is famous for its columns of basalt rock which give it a unique cathedral-like appearance and possesses several deep caves. The largest of these is Fingal’s Cave - on the right in the photograph - which was immortalised by the composer Mendelssohn in his “Hebrides Overture”, composed after a visit in 1829. The island can be reached by boat from Iona and a landing is possible at low tide in calm conditions.