‘Uninhabited’ UK island is oasis for sweet puffins and its ‘sensational’ sunsets

Brits are raving about a lesser-known island that’s a paradise for birdwatchers.

The charming puffins, with their vibrant beaks and resemblance to penguins, are among the UK’s most adorable birds. However, there’s a special spot where you can get incredibly close to these threatened birds and enjoy ‘sensational sunsets’.

The Isle of Lunga, the largest of the Treshnish Isles located in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, is celebrated for its dramatic scenery and distinctive wildlife. Here’s all you need to know about this hidden treasure, including directions and the optimal time for a visit.

Chris Knight, a travel and hiking aficionado with over 12,000 followers for his useful British travel tips, took to TikTok to showcase the island’s splendour. “It might be the most spectacular place in the UK to see puffins,” he claimed.

“Back in June myself a friend were lucky enough to spend a night on the island. [We] laid on the clifftop which was lined with thousands of puffins for over an hour, all while being treated to a sensational sunset.

“Puffins zipped back and forth and popped in and out of their burrows, coming within just a few feet of us. I was utterly speechless; it was truly one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life.”

The comments section was abuzz with admiration for the island, with one user calling it ‘class’. “Looks amazing,” commented another, while a third chimed in: “Beautiful.”

To get to Lunga, you can either hop on a boat from Oban on the Scottish mainland or make your way from the Isle of Mull. If you prefer a more organised approach, consider taking a wildlife cruise from Oban Ferry Terminal that stops at the Treshnish Isles as well as Staffa and Iona.

This will set you back £99 per person and requires booking at least 24 hours in advance.

Once you’ve landed on the island, make your way up to Harp Rock for a chance to see the puffins. They nest in burrows on the cliff between May and August, making this the prime time for spotting them.