Staffa is a breathtaking, remote island situated in the Inner Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland. The isle came under the protection of the National Trust for Scotland in 1986 after John Elliott Jr. of New York, fondly known as Jock, purchased the island to honor his wife Eleanor’s 60^th Birthday. The couple decided that gifting this remarkable landscape to the Trust would be critical to ensure their beloved Staffa was preserved and looked after for generations to come. This particularly inspiring outlook on the necessity of conservation is attested to in their philanthropy and deep care for Staffa, and in 2001 the island was officially designated a National Nature reserve.

 

I had the honor of speaking to Skeffington Thomas, Professor of Art at Rowan University and one of John Elliott’s nephews. Skeff told me more about the rich history of Staffa and his incredible family connection to the remote island.

John and Eleanor, before purchasing the island, had a strong affiliation and deep love for Scotland as they had been visiting the country for over 30 years. They recognized the importance of keeping these Scottish landscapes preserved for future generations to experience, study and enjoy. The couple were particularly drawn to Staffa because of their passion and strong appreciation of beauty and art. A love and respect was developed for the majestic beauty and awe-inspiring scale of the island which to Jock and Elly was truly mesmerizing. The need for others to be able to see and experience this immense beauty became a vital reason why they generously gifted the island to the Trust. This gift would protect the history and longevity of the island.

As Skeff fondly states when remembering his aunt and uncle, ‘The concept that all of us are here but for a short time, and our obligation to care, nurture and preserve that which has been entrusted to us was realized in the life and Jock and Eleanor Elliott.’   This inspiring philosophy was essential to the legacy the couple left to Scotland, and to honor this, a new monument was erected in 2012 in the memory of the Elliotts’ gift.

The monument celebrates the history of Staffa, the longevity of the island and importantly, the love of the couple had for this truly beautiful place. 2012 was the first year that Skeff and his sister Dorothy visited Staffa for the monument rededication. He was amazed by the remoteness of Staffa but mentioned there was a beautiful community feeling and solidarity which could be felt across the island.

In August 2024, in the year of his and his twin sister Augusta’s 60^th birthday, he will return to Staffa with his wife Diane and daughter Elly. As birthday gifts, Skeff and Augusta asked their siblings to donate to NTSUSA for the benefit of Staffa in the memory of Jock and Elly Elliott. With the 50th Anniversary of the gift of Staffa to NTS soon approaching, the trip this year will certainly be a special and unforgettable one.

Staffa remains under the dedicated protection of NTS, allowing for the island to be experienced and appreciated by visitors, just as the couple envisioned. Thanks to ongoing preservation and conservation efforts, Staffa’s beauty will continue to amaze and inspire for generations to come.