Troup Head

Island in Banffshire

Scotland

Troup Head

Castle Point and Pennan from Lion's Head Credit: Alan Reid

Troup Head is a stunning coastal headland located in Banffshire, Scotland. It is situated on the north-eastern coast of mainland Scotland, overlooking the North Sea. This picturesque area is known for its dramatic cliffs, abundant wildlife, and historical landmarks.

The most notable feature of Troup Head is its towering cliffs, which rise to a height of approximately 100 meters (330 feet) above sea level. These cliffs provide a nesting site for thousands of seabirds, making it one of the largest mainland gannet colonies in the UK. Visitors to Troup Head can witness the impressive sight of these birds diving into the sea to catch fish.

In addition to gannets, Troup Head is also home to other seabirds such as guillemots, razorbills, and puffins. The area is a designated nature reserve, offering protection to these species and their habitats. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts flock to Troup Head to observe and study the diverse bird population.

Apart from its ecological significance, Troup Head also boasts a rich historical heritage. At the top of the headland, there is an iconic lighthouse that dates back to 1787. This historic structure serves as an important navigational aid for ships passing through the North Sea. The lighthouse is no longer manned but remains operational.

Troup Head offers breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and the North Sea. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the cliff-top path, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and the magnificent scenery. The area also has picnic spots, allowing visitors to relax and appreciate the natural beauty of Troup Head.

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Troup Head Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.694744/-2.2899399 or Grid Reference NJ8267. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Castle Point and Pennan from Lion's Head

Alan Reid

Cullykhan Bay

Pennan Head beyond.

Alan Reid

Wheatear on Whins

There were several of these perching on the fence posts and whins. Strictly speaking they are Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe), and the Oxford English Dictionary confirms that name was originally derived from 'white arse' from the conspicuous white rump that is seen when the bird is in flight. However the OED does not confirm the story that the name was bowdlerised by prudish Victorians; as early as 1653 one J Taylor noted that "The name of Wheat ears, on them is ycleap'd, Because they come when wheat is yearly reap'd."

Anne Burgess

Yellowhammer (Emberiza citronella)

Quite a common bird of fields and rough ground, sometimes also venturing into gardens. Its song is very distinctive, said to sound like 'A little bit of bread and no CHEESE'.

Anne Burgess

St Mark's Fly (Bibio marci)?

Apparently they tend to emerge around 25 April, which is St Mark's Day. There were large numbers of them, all clinging to grass and other vegetation, perhaps because it was too cold for them to be flying. Thanks to Richard Sutcliffe for confirming the ID and telling me that's it's a male because it has large eyes.

Anne Burgess

Sea Camption (Silene uniflora)

One of many clumps of Sea Camption on the top of the cliffs.

Anne Burgess

Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus)

Formerly known as Sula bassana, the Solan Goose. Taken with a zoom lens from far enough away not to disturb the bird.

Anne Burgess

Nesting Gannets

Gannets first nested at Troup Head in 1988, and since then the colony has grown to over 2000 pairs. I note with interest that the RSPB no longer says it is the only mainland Gannet colony in Scotland - it is now, it seems, the largest Gannet colony in Scotland.

Anne Burgess

Gannet Wars

We watched for several minutes while the two upper Gannets squabbled, pecking at one another and occasionally locking beaks in a tussle, presumably over whose nest site this is. The third bird looked on but took no part in the action.

Anne Burgess

Nesting gannet, Troup Head

The nature of the cliff top means that it is possible to get remarkably close to the birds without either putting oneself in danger or upsetting the birds.

Alan Murray-Rust

Portrait of a gannet, Troup Head

The nature of the cliff top means that it is possible to get remarkably close to the birds without either putting oneself in danger or upsetting the birds.

Alan Murray-Rust

Ravels Den

A deep-cut dene leading down to Downie Bay, probably the result of meltwater erosion at the end of the Ice Age.

Alan Murray-Rust

Wheatears on a fence

Alongside the footpath to Troup Head.

Alan Murray-Rust

Wheatears on whin

Alongside the footpath to Troup Head. (I would call this gorse, but whin is the native word!)

Alan Murray-Rust

Landslip in Ravels Den

A deep-cut dene leading down to Downie Bay, probably the result of meltwater erosion at the end of the Ice Age. The slip shows the friable rock forming the upper stratum at this point.

Alan Murray-Rust