Scarth Craig

Island in Banffshire

Scotland

Scarth Craig

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

Scarth Craig is a small, uninhabited island located off the coast of Banffshire, Scotland. Situated in the North Sea, it is part of a group of islands known as the Moray Firth Islands. Scarth Craig is approximately 0.5 hectares in size and is characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain.

The island is known for its impressive sea cliffs, which rise up to 30 meters in height. These cliffs provide nesting sites for various seabird species, including guillemots, razorbills, and fulmars. The surrounding waters are also rich in marine life, attracting seals and dolphins to the area.

Access to Scarth Craig is limited due to its remote location and lack of facilities. However, it is a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts who are looking to observe the diverse wildlife in its natural habitat. The island is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, ensuring the preservation of its fragile ecosystem.

Although there is no permanent human population on Scarth Craig, archaeological evidence suggests that the island was inhabited in the past. Stone tools and remains of structures have been discovered, indicating human activity dating back to the Mesolithic period.

Overall, Scarth Craig offers a unique opportunity to experience the untouched beauty of Scotland's coastline, with its dramatic cliffs, abundant wildlife, and intriguing history.

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Scarth Craig Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.67246/-2.4619184 or Grid Reference NJ7264. 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.

Anne Burgess

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.

Anne Burgess

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.

Anne Burgess

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 Link

are working towards making this a vibrant leisure destination once again. The Category A Listed facility deserves nothing less.

Alan Murray-Rust

Natural sloping slabs at Tarlair

At the entrance to the lido.

Alan Murray-Rust

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.

Alan Murray-Rust

Threading the needle

View through the naatural arch known locally as the Needle's Eye

Alan Murray-Rust

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.

Alan Murray-Rust

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.

Alan Murray-Rust

Tarlair Lido, view from the east

Compare with this view of the lido in its heyday Link

Restoration of the pavilion is due to start in 2022. Listed Category A.

Alan Murray-Rust

Pond at Mains of Melrose

An artificial pond beside the Burn of Melrose.

Anne Burgess

Rock fall at near Tarlair

Hobs

Macduff Marine Aquarium

Open during the winter, but not on Thursdays or Fridays until the spring. It features creatures native to local waters, and is well worth a visit. I noted the absence of a conger eel, and it was explained that they had had to give up having conger eels because the eels were destroying the concrete 'rocks' in the central tank!

Anne Burgess

The Scurr and High Shore

The rocks in the foreground are named on the maps as the Scurr. High Shore is so named to distinguish it from Low Shore, which is nearer the harbour, rather than because it was higher above the sea.

Anne Burgess