Ah, puffins. Every time we see a picture of them we are filled with a cuteness overload witnessing their colourful beaks and warm eyes. Did you know baby puffins are called pufflings? Thankfully, Scotland is abundant in places for puffin spotting, with plenty of tours to embark on between March and August. So, let’s have a look at the best places to go see the adorable endangered birds closest to Glasgow.
1. Isle of May
Isle of May can be reached on a tour from North Berwick, and is located around a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Glasgow. Scottish Seabird Centre is hosting Isle of May Landing trips, where visitors can explore the wee island and hang out with puffins. The spot is the largest puffin colony with over 40,000 birds on the East coast of Scotland. As always, visitors are encouraged to wear waterproof clothes and people with back or neck problems should not embark on the tour due to the rubber boats.
2. Staffa
Home to the magnificent Fingal’s Cave, which is something out of a fairytale, Staffa is also home to puffins. Visitors can enjoy a puffin picnic on top of the island in the summer, as well as explore the hexagonal cave, making for a magical day trip. Travelling from the South, it is best to head to Oban and embark on a tour of the island. And maybe you will even spot some dolphins, too!
3. Lunga
Said to be the best place to see the adorable birds on the West Coast, Lunga is part of the Trenish Isles on the Isle of Mull. The spot is also quite easy to get to, with regular boat trips from Ulva Ferry, Tiree, Tobermory, Iona and Ardnamurchan. Lunga tours also usually stop at Staffa as well, with opportunities to explore both places on foot. Guests can also witness seals, basking sharks, porpoises, dolphins and golden eagles while on the tours.