Church Brae

Cliff, Slope in Banffshire

Scotland

Church Brae

Mouse-ear Hawkweed Hawkweeds, Hawksbeards and Hawkbits all have dandelion-like flowers and are notoriously difficult to tell apart. This is the exception, instantly recognisable because its flowers are lemon-yellow, while all the others are more canary-yellow.
Mouse-ear Hawkweed Credit: Anne Burgess

Church Brae is a picturesque cliff located in the coastal town of Banffshire, Scotland. It is situated on the eastern coast of the country, overlooking the North Sea. The brae, meaning slope or hill in Scottish dialect, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and panoramic views.

Rising majestically from the sea, Church Brae offers a breathtaking vista of the surrounding landscape. The cliff stands at an impressive height, providing visitors with a remarkable viewpoint to admire the rugged coastline and the vast expanse of the ocean. The brae is known for its steep incline and is often frequented by adventurous hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking a challenging climb.

At the top of Church Brae, a historic church dating back to the 18th century can be found. The church adds a touch of charm to the already captivating scenery, making it a popular spot for photography and sightseeing. The peaceful ambiance and tranquil atmosphere around the church make it an idyllic setting for relaxation and reflection.

The surrounding area of Church Brae is rich in natural diversity, with lush greenery, wildflowers, and an abundance of wildlife. Seabirds can often be spotted soaring above the cliff, while seals can occasionally be seen basking on the rocks below. The constant crashing of waves against the cliffs adds a dramatic element to the experience and further enhances the natural allure of this remarkable location.

Overall, Church Brae in Banffshire is a must-visit destination for those seeking breathtaking views, a touch of history, and a serene escape into nature.

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Church Brae Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.668505/-2.5026189 or Grid Reference NJ7064. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Mouse-ear Hawkweed Hawkweeds, Hawksbeards and Hawkbits all have dandelion-like flowers and are notoriously difficult to tell apart. This is the exception, instantly recognisable because its flowers are lemon-yellow, while all the others are more canary-yellow.
Mouse-ear Hawkweed
Hawkweeds, Hawksbeards and Hawkbits all have dandelion-like flowers and are notoriously difficult to tell apart. This is the exception, instantly recognisable because its flowers are lemon-yellow, while all the others are more canary-yellow.
Loch Craig In the foreground is the sea wall of the Tarlair open-air swimming pool. Loch craig is the sea inlet offshore. The ship is Petronordic, port of registry Nassau, which is a shuttle tanker, gross tonnage 54865.
Loch Craig
In the foreground is the sea wall of the Tarlair open-air swimming pool. Loch craig is the sea inlet offshore. The ship is Petronordic, port of registry Nassau, which is a shuttle tanker, gross tonnage 54865.
House Martin (Delichon urbica) There are half a dozen nests under the roof of the pavilion at the Tarlair swimming pool. Note the bird sitting in this nest, presumably incubating eggs.
House Martin (Delichon urbica)
There are half a dozen nests under the roof of the pavilion at the Tarlair swimming pool. Note the bird sitting in this nest, presumably incubating eggs.
Tarlair Lido, 2022 The monochrome emphasises the current state of disrepair of the pavilion, but that is set to change, as funding has been secured and listed building consent given for its refurbishment starting in 2022.
The Friends of Tarlair <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://friendsoftarlair.co.uk/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://friendsoftarlair.co.uk/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> are working towards making this a vibrant leisure destination once again. The Category A Listed facility deserves nothing less.
Tarlair Lido, 2022
The monochrome emphasises the current state of disrepair of the pavilion, but that is set to change, as funding has been secured and listed building consent given for its refurbishment starting in 2022. The Friends of Tarlair LinkExternal link are working towards making this a vibrant leisure destination once again. The Category A Listed facility deserves nothing less.
Natural sloping slabs at Tarlair At the entrance to the lido.
Natural sloping slabs at Tarlair
At the entrance to the lido.
The road to Tarlair Looking towards Macduff. The building to the right of the road is the Well of Tarlair. It dates from c.1800. The chalybeate waters enjoyed considerable popularity for their medicinal and health giving properties in the NE during the 18th and 19th centuries.
The road to Tarlair
Looking towards Macduff. The building to the right of the road is the Well of Tarlair. It dates from c.1800. The chalybeate waters enjoyed considerable popularity for their medicinal and health giving properties in the NE during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Threading the needle View through the naatural arch known locally as the Needle's Eye
Threading the needle
View through the naatural arch known locally as the Needle's Eye
Tarlair Lido - the swimming pool The lowest of the three pools. The terraces were restored in 2014, and restoration of the pavilion is due to commence in 2022.
Tarlair Lido - the swimming pool
The lowest of the three pools. The terraces were restored in 2014, and restoration of the pavilion is due to commence in 2022.
Tarlair Lido, the three pools Nearest, surrounded by the narrow wall was a paddling pool, the next area being a boating pool with the main swimming pool furthest away. The surrounds of the pools were restored in 2014. The complex Listed Category A.
Tarlair Lido, the three pools
Nearest, surrounded by the narrow wall was a paddling pool, the next area being a boating pool with the main swimming pool furthest away. The surrounds of the pools were restored in 2014. The complex Listed Category A.
Tarlair Lido, view from the east Compare with this view of the lido in its heyday <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://friendsoftarlair.co.uk/welcome-to-friends-of-tarlair/about-us/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://friendsoftarlair.co.uk/welcome-to-friends-of-tarlair/about-us/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>

Restoration of the pavilion is due to start in 2022. Listed Category A.
Tarlair Lido, view from the east
Compare with this view of the lido in its heyday LinkExternal link Restoration of the pavilion is due to start in 2022. Listed Category A.
Stagecoach Bluebird Macduff Bus Depot
Stagecoach Bluebird Macduff Bus Depot
Macduff: a view over the harbour Looking over the harbour from the grassy hilltop to the south, where an anchor is ... anchored, by the <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/451242">NJ7064 : Macduff: parish church</a>.
Macduff: a view over the harbour
Looking over the harbour from the grassy hilltop to the south, where an anchor is ... anchored, by the NJ7064 : Macduff: parish church.
View towards Macduff from Banff beach Macduff parish kirk is prominent on the hill with the unusual war memorial tower to the right.
View towards Macduff from Banff beach
Macduff parish kirk is prominent on the hill with the unusual war memorial tower to the right.
Macduff parish kirk Built 1805 (remodelled 1865) on a dramatic hilltop site overlooking Macduff harbour.  B-listed (LB37616): <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB37616" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB37616">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> .
Macduff parish kirk
Built 1805 (remodelled 1865) on a dramatic hilltop site overlooking Macduff harbour. B-listed (LB37616): LinkExternal link .
Macduff war memorial An unusual and striking war memorial tower erected in 1920 and B-listed (LB37681):  <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB37631" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB37631">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> .
Macduff war memorial
An unusual and striking war memorial tower erected in 1920 and B-listed (LB37681): LinkExternal link .
View of Macduff harbour from Church Street
View of Macduff harbour from Church Street
Macduff town hall, 17 Shore Street The Scottish baronial town hall facing the harbour was designed by Aberdeen architects Pirie and Clyne in 1884 and is B-listed (LB37634): <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB37634" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB37634">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> . Next door is the former Clydesdale Bank and agent's house, also B-listed (LB37635): <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB37635" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB37635">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> .
Macduff town hall, 17 Shore Street
The Scottish baronial town hall facing the harbour was designed by Aberdeen architects Pirie and Clyne in 1884 and is B-listed (LB37634): LinkExternal link . Next door is the former Clydesdale Bank and agent's house, also B-listed (LB37635): LinkExternal link .
Macduff harbour entrance and lighthouse The lighthouse dates from 1903 (Canmore record 81477: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/81447/macduff-harbour-entrance-lighthouse" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/81447/macduff-harbour-entrance-lighthouse">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> ).
Macduff harbour entrance and lighthouse
The lighthouse dates from 1903 (Canmore record 81477: LinkExternal link ).
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Church Brae is located at Grid Ref: NJ7064 (Lat: 57.668505, Lng: -2.5026189)

Unitary Authority: Aberdeenshire

Police Authority: North East

What 3 Words

///siblings.regulator.remarked. Near Macduff, Aberdeenshire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 57.668505,-2.5026189
Macduff Pier
Man Made: lighthouse
Seamark Light 1 Character: Fl
Seamark Light 1 Colour: green
Seamark Light 1 Group: 2
Seamark Light 1 Height: 12
Seamark Light 1 Period: 6
Seamark Light 1 Sector End: 115
Seamark Light 1 Sector Start: 40
Seamark Light 1 Sequence: 1+(1),1+(3)
Seamark Light 2 Character: Fl
Seamark Light 2 Colour: white
Seamark Light 2 Group: 2
Seamark Light 2 Height: 12
Seamark Light 2 Period: 6
Seamark Light 2 Range: 9
Seamark Light 2 Sector End: 174
Seamark Light 2 Sector Start: 115
Seamark Light 2 Sequence: 1+(1),1+(3)
Seamark Light 3 Character: Fl
Seamark Light 3 Colour: red
Seamark Light 3 Group: 2
Seamark Light 3 Height: 12
Seamark Light 3 Period: 6
Seamark Light 3 Range: 7
Seamark Light 3 Sector End: 210
Seamark Light 3 Sector Start: 174
Seamark Light 3 Sequence: 1+(1),1+(3)
Seamark Light Reference: A 3348
Seamark Type: light_minor
Source: US NGA Pub. 114. 2011-05-26.
Lat/Long: 57.6709383/-2.500036
The Knowes War Memorial
Heritage Operator: Historic Environment Scotland
Heritage Website: https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB37631
Historic: monument
Listed Status: Category B
Monument: war_memorial
Start Date: 1920
Wikidata: Q17774778
Lat/Long: 57.6677425/-2.4967488
Macduff
Historic Railway: station
Railway: site
Wikidata: Q6723009
Wikipedia: en:Macduff railway station
Lat/Long: 57.6668622/-2.5042278
Seamark Light Category: lower
Seamark Light Character: F
Seamark Light Colour: red
Seamark Light Height: 44
Seamark Light Range: 3
Seamark Light Reference: A 3350
Seamark Type: light_minor
Source: US NGA Pub. 114. 2011-05-26.
Lat/Long: 57.6688833/-2.4956667
Seamark Light Category: upper
Seamark Light Character: F
Seamark Light Colour: red
Seamark Light Height: 55
Seamark Light Range: 3
Seamark Light Reference: A 3350.1
Seamark Type: light_minor
Source: US NGA Pub. 114. 2011-05-26.
Lat/Long: 57.6685602/-2.4948618
Middle Basin
Alt Name: Macduff Harbour
Harbour: yes
Seamark Harbour Category: fishing
Seamark Type: harbour
Vhf: 12
Lat/Long: 57.6711999/-2.4983069
Fuel
Operator: Gleaner
Source: survey
Lat/Long: 57.6671081/-2.50536
Barrier: bollard
Lat/Long: 57.6674561/-2.4976677
Man Made: tower
Lat/Long: 57.6648081/-2.4984344
Recycling
Lat/Long: 57.666825/-2.4976487
Bus Stop
Fife Street
Bus: yes
Naptan AtcoCode: 630021611
Naptan Bearing: NE
Naptan CommonName: Fife Street
Naptan Indicator: opp 27
Naptan Landmark: Fife Street
Naptan NaptanCode: 23624583
Naptan Street: Fife Street
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Ref: 23624583
Lat/Long: 57.6668719/-2.4970455
Post Box
Post Box Type: wall
Ref: AB44 39D
Royal Cypher: GVIR
Royal Cypher Wikidata: Q33102169
Lat/Long: 57.667419/-2.4993331
Bus Stop
Union Road
Bus: yes
Naptan AtcoCode: 630021542
Naptan Bearing: SW
Naptan CommonName: Union Road
Naptan Indicator: SW bound
Naptan Landmark: Union Road
Naptan NaptanCode: 23624549
Naptan Street: Union Road
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Ref: 23624549
Lat/Long: 57.6684606/-2.5034707
Pub
The Old Moray
Lat/Long: 57.6705016/-2.4976379
Telephone
Booth: KX100
Covered: booth
Lat/Long: 57.6707871/-2.4977613
Bus Stop
Nicols Brae
Bench: yes
Bin: no
Bus: yes
Naptan AtcoCode: 630021572
Naptan Bearing: NE
Naptan CommonName: Nicols Brae
Naptan Indicator: NE bound
Naptan Landmark: Nicols Brae
Naptan NaptanCode: 23627879
Naptan Street: Shore Street
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Ref: 23627879
Shelter: yes
Tactile Paving: no
Lat/Long: 57.6707585/-2.4977655
Bus Stop
Union Road
Bus: yes
Naptan AtcoCode: 630021541
Naptan Bearing: NE
Naptan CommonName: Union Road
Naptan Indicator: NE bound
Naptan Landmark: Union Road
Naptan NaptanCode: 23627875
Naptan Street: Union Road
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Ref: 23627875
Lat/Long: 57.6685575/-2.5036542
Bus Stop
Hutcheon Street
Bench: no
Bin: no
Bus: yes
Naptan AtcoCode: 630021561
Naptan Bearing: NE
Naptan CommonName: Hutcheon Street
Naptan Indicator: opp
Naptan Landmark: Hutcheon Street
Naptan NaptanCode: 23627878
Naptan Street: Shore Street
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Ref: 23627878
Shelter: no
Tactile Paving: no
Lat/Long: 57.66958/-2.4994603
Bus Depot
Lat/Long: 57.66907/-2.502769
Bicycle Parking
Bicycle Parking: stands
Capacity: 4
Covered: no
Lat/Long: 57.6692436/-2.4945051
Bus Stop
Horns Brae
Bench: no
Bin: no
Bus: yes
Naptan AtcoCode: 630021551
Naptan Bearing: W
Naptan CommonName: Horns Brae
Naptan Indicator: at
Naptan Landmark: Horns Brae
Naptan NaptanCode: 23624569
Naptan Street: Union Road
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Ref: 23624569
Shelter: no
Tactile Paving: no
Lat/Long: 57.6690701/-2.5012864
Atm
Lat/Long: 57.67022/-2.497872
Bus Depot
Operator: Stagecoach
Lat/Long: 57.6687013/-2.5036327
Post Box
Collection Times: Mo-Fr 17:15; Sa 12:15
Note Collection Times: all the postboxes around Macduff say the last collection in Macduff is at the post office collection box at 16:00, but checked with the postmistress at the post office and the collection is definitely after 17:15 as stated on the box
Post Box Type: wall
Ref: AB44 46
Royal Cypher: no
Lat/Long: 57.6702383/-2.4968885
Bench
Lat/Long: 57.6692422/-2.4944649
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.6641436/-2.5016856
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.6643789/-2.5004169
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.6655926/-2.4994996
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.6648581/-2.4988666
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 57.6640145/-2.5021523
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 57.664158/-2.501978
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 57.6653588/-2.498534
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 57.6665681/-2.501286
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 57.665825/-2.4978688
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 57.6658466/-2.4977803
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 57.6667303/-2.4957714
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 57.6666571/-2.4955595
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 57.6672625/-2.4949801
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 57.6672782/-2.4950418
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 57.6676297/-2.4977347
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 57.6674533/-2.5035954
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 57.6693296/-2.4958706
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 57.6670817/-2.4993789
Bus Stop
Town Hall
Bus: yes
Naptan AtcoCode: 630021562
Naptan Bearing: SW
Naptan CommonName: Town Hall
Naptan Indicator: at
Naptan Landmark: Town Hall
Naptan NaptanCode: 23624576
Naptan Street: Shore Street
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Ref: 23624576
Lat/Long: 57.6697291/-2.4985503
West Basin
Alt Name: West Harbour
Harbour: yes
Lat/Long: 57.6700938/-2.4990443
Atm
Brand: NoteMachine
Brand Wikidata: Q104368525
Operator: NoteMachine
Operator Short: NMATM
Operator Wikidata: Q104368525
Lat/Long: 57.6699935/-2.4965781
Toilets
Female: yes
Gender Segregated: yes
Male: yes
Opening Hours: Apr-Sep 08:00-20:00; Oct-Mar 08:00-18:00; Dec 25-26,Jan 01-02 off
Lat/Long: 57.6714993/-2.4976844
Bench
Backrest: yes
Lat/Long: 57.6685919/-2.4963789
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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