The Ark

Island in Banffshire

Scotland

The Ark

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

The Ark is a small island located off the coast of Banffshire, Scotland. Known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history, The Ark attracts visitors from all over the world. The island is accessible by boat and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

With its rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and rolling green hills, The Ark offers a diverse range of landscapes to explore. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including seabird colonies, seals, and even occasional sightings of dolphins and whales. The island's unique ecosystem has been carefully preserved, making it a haven for birdwatchers and photographers.

The Ark is also steeped in history, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. Remnants of ancient settlements, including stone circles and burial sites, can be found scattered across the island. The ruins of a medieval castle, believed to have been built in the 12th century, stand as a testament to the island's past.

Visitors to The Ark can enjoy a range of activities, from hiking and camping to fishing and wildlife spotting. The island's tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking vistas make it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful getaway. Additionally, the local community offers various accommodations, including cozy cottages and bed and breakfasts, providing visitors with a comfortable and authentic experience.

Overall, The Ark is a hidden gem in Banffshire, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Whether exploring its rugged coastline or immersing oneself in its rich heritage, The Ark promises an unforgettable experience for all who venture to this remote Scottish island.

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The Ark Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.672493/-2.4551626 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.
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.
Pond at Mains of Melrose An artificial pond beside the Burn of Melrose.
Pond at Mains of Melrose
An artificial pond beside the Burn of Melrose.
Rock fall at near Tarlair
Rock fall at near Tarlair
Tarlair Open Air Swimming Pool Tarlair Open Air Swimming Pool, Macduff.
Tarlair Open Air Swimming Pool
Tarlair Open Air Swimming Pool, Macduff.
The B9031 heading for Fraserburgh The 'bump' of Law Hill <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/NJ7564">NJ7564</a> on the horizon.
The B9031 heading for Fraserburgh
The 'bump' of Law Hill NJ7564 on the horizon.
Loch Craig, Banffshire The patch of rosebay willowherb on the left marks the site where a cottage used to be.  See <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/collection/1254503" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/collection/1254503">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>.  The building on the right houses the Well of Tarlair.  <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/435021">NJ7164 : Tarlair Swimming Pool</a> can be seen below the slopes on the right.
Loch Craig, Banffshire
The patch of rosebay willowherb on the left marks the site where a cottage used to be. See LinkExternal link. The building on the right houses the Well of Tarlair. NJ7164 : Tarlair Swimming Pool can be seen below the slopes on the right.
Road (B9031) at Clechden Looking westward.
Road (B9031) at Clechden
Looking westward.
Fence-lined minor road approaching Burnside Looking south-westward.
Fence-lined minor road approaching Burnside
Looking south-westward.
Ordnance Survey Flush Bracket G4060 This bracket can be found on the wall of a converted farm building - now a private dwelling - at Clechden. The benchmark's recorded height is 78.691 metres above sea level.
For more detail see : <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.bench-marks.org.uk/bm11736" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.bench-marks.org.uk/bm11736">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>
Ordnance Survey Flush Bracket G4060
This bracket can be found on the wall of a converted farm building - now a private dwelling - at Clechden. The benchmark's recorded height is 78.691 metres above sea level. For more detail see : LinkExternal link
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The Ark is located at Grid Ref: NJ7264 (Lat: 57.672493, Lng: -2.4551626)

Unitary Authority: Aberdeenshire

Police Authority: North East

What 3 Words

///headed.jogged.ballpoint. Near Macduff, Aberdeenshire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 57.672493,-2.4551626
Bennidustry Bay
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 57.6721848/-2.457163
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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