My month on the island - Ben Armstrong

As another season on the Isle of Mull comes to an end, I can’t help but look back on what an incredible month it’s been...

I had the pleasure of meeting so many fantastic guests from across the UK and around the world, all sharing the same excitement, experiences and appreciation for nature. I was helping out mostly with Administrative work and some of the behind-the-scenes stuff.

I was also lucky enough to work alongside Ewan, Megan, Klay and Iolo. Their passion, knowledge and experience have taught me so much, and I’m incredibly grateful for everything I learned throughout the season.

There were so many unforgettable moments. One of the most dramatic was watching an incredible lightning storm sweep across the island, even managing to see some pink strikes.

We also experienced an amazing influx of ospreys, with one day treating us to three birds — and a very showy juvenile caught of fish on Iolos package tour.

Trips to Lunga were, as always, a highlight. Standing amongst the sea bird city colonies while great and arctic skuas patrolled overhead never gets old, and every visit felt just as special as the last. Finally saw a Corncrake and the wait was definitely worth it as I got two for the price of one (thanks Jack).

Perhaps my most memorable wildlife encounter was seeing a black-throated diver in stunning summer plumage. It has been a bird I’ve dreamed of seeing for years, so finally watching one in all its breeding colours was a truly magical moment and one I’ll never forget.

Every season my appreciation for wildlife grows, but this year I found myself developing a real fascination for invertebrates. Marsh fritillary butterflies quickly became one of my favourite species, I was equally captivated by the beautiful elephant hawk moth. It was great being taught by Klay, how to moth trap and going through all the identification features.

Looking back, this month has been filled with unforgettable wildlife, incredible people and experiences that I’ll cherish forever. Mull continues to surprise and inspire me every time I visit, and it has only strengthened my passion for the natural world. I already can’t wait to be back on the Isle soon.

Thanks so much to the Nature Scotland crew and everyone I met along the way!