Fingal's Cave is located at the south shore of the island of Staffa. It was created by volcanic activity and is lined with hexagonal black basaltic columns and reaches a height of 20m (66ft). The cave mouth has an opening of 13m (42ft) and stretches back to a depth of 69m (227ft). It is the most famous of several caves around the island of Staffa, which is off the coast of Mull.
Sir Joseph Banks visited Staffa on August 12th 1772 and his account is the first detailed account of both Staffa and Fingal's Cave. Thomas Pennant published the account in his second volume of his 'Tour in Scotland' following his visit there in 1774.
The composer Mendelssohn visited Staffa and, as a result, wrote the overture 'Fingal's Cave' in 1829.
Click to enlarge the image, read the text then answer the following questions.
Questions
- Describe Fingal's Cave and explain how it was formed.
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Complete the table :-
Date The 'tourist' Sir Joseph Banks 1774 1829