Staffin combines dinosaur history with striking coastal formations and an unusual museum concept. Its themes range from footprints in sandstone to a stone slab bearing dinosaur tracks; Kilt Rock and the route to the easternmost point of the Trotternish Peninsula add further highlights. If you choose Staffin as your destination, you can decide whether geology, a short walking route or cultural history will shape your stay.
A Museum Without Walls
Druim nan Linntean, the Skye Ecomuseum, is located in the crofting community of Staffin, known in Gaelic as An Taobh Sear. As an open-air museum, it includes twelve places of interest. The phrase “museum without walls” describes its approach: the focus is on several sites, not a single exhibit. The Ecomuseum thus provides an overarching framework for the twelve attractions and differs in form from the specific collection items in local museums.
Geology at Staffin Bay and the Coast
An Corran lies on the south shore of Staffin Bay. More than 15 large dinosaur footprints are preserved in situ on the surface of a bioturbated sandstone there. Bioturbated describes sediment that has been altered by the activity of organisms; in situ means that the tracks have been preserved in their original location. At An Corran, both the footprints and their geological context are therefore central. Kilt Rock adds a different aspect of coastal geology: the sea cliff is 60 metres high. The sandstone site and the high cliff are thus two clearly distinct geological features of Staffin.
A Walking Destination and Protected Rock Pools
Rubha nam Brà ithrean, also known as Brothers’ Point, is a short walking route to the easternmost point of the Trotternish Peninsula. The two names can help you find your way: they refer to the same route and destination. Rock pools are visible near Rubha nam Brà ithrean at low tide. These pools are protected by the Skye Nature Conservation Order of 2019; please look at them but do not touch them. The site thus combines a clearly named walking destination with specific guidance on how to treat the protected rock pools.
Dinosaur Finds in the Museums
The museums have a different focus from the tracks at An Corran. The Staffin Museum houses a stone slab with footprints of baby dinosaurs alongside the print of an adult dinosaur. The collection at the Staffin Dinosaur Museum includes the earliest evidence of a dinosaur in Scotland and actual dinosaur bones. These two details offer different perspectives: the Staffin Museum focuses on the juxtaposition of juvenile and adult footprints, while the Staffin Dinosaur Museum focuses on the earliest evidence and actual dinosaur bones in Scotland.
A Cultural Highlight
Staffin’s cultural history also extends beyond geology and dinosaur finds. Tobar Loch Shianta was regarded as the best-known healing spring on Skye. Its historical reputation adds another aspect of local history to the natural history and museum-related themes.
Discover more destinations: Dalchreichart, Gairloch, Letterfearn, Evanton, Torlundy, Dunvegan, John o' Groats, Kincraig.
For the broader travel overview: Highland.
