The National Trust for Scotland are the new custodians of the Treshnish Isles.

During the summer of 2023 ownership of the Treshnish Isles was transferred from the Hebridean Trust to the National Trust for Scotland (NTS). The purchase was supported by the National Trust For Scotland Foundation USA. This adds the islands to a portfolio that includes much of Iona, Staffa, the Burg area of Mull, Canna, St Kilda and indeed numerous historic sites and built properties across Scotland.

Island Lass in the Treshnish Islands

Puffin therapy on the Treshnish Isles

Philip Long, OBE, Chief Executive of the National Trust for Scotland has stated that “Building on the work of the Hebridean Trust, our experts will focus on ensuring that the Treshnish Isles are conserved and protected now and for the future, and that people can share in their nature, beauty and heritage.”

You can find out more about the strategy of the National Trust for Scotland here.

We met Cal Major this summer, helping her with logistics and access to the Islands from Mull. Stand up paddleboarder extraordinaire, she is a volunteer ‘ambassador’ who’s role is to raise awareness of the conservation work of the NTS. The video she made of her time on and around Lunga and the other islands can be found here.

Cal Major in the Islands

Hoy Lass landing passengers on the boulder beach at Lunga

A little bit about dogs:

It is not advisable to bring dogs to the Treshnish Isles during the bird breeding season in order to minimise the potential for harmful disturbance. This is what NTS say:

“The Treshnish Isles are a haven for ground-nesting birds such as puffins, Manx shearwaters and storm petrels. In line with other important islands in the area, we ask that during the breeding season (1 April to 30 September), when the birds and their young are particularly vulnerable, that dogs are not brought to the Treshnish Isles. Many seabird populations are currently under increased pressure from avian flu and changes to prey species. Keeping dogs away from their breeding sites at particularly vulnerable times is one way to help relieve any additional stress on these populations. Dog-sitting services are available on Mull.”

In supporting this sensible precautionary stance Turus Mara will not carry dogs to the Treshnish Isles during the bird breeding season from April to September.