Cowper's Craig

Island in Banffshire

Scotland

Cowper's Craig

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

Cowper's Craig is a picturesque island located off the coast of Banffshire, Scotland. Situated in the North Sea, this small island covers an area of approximately 2.5 acres and is known for its rugged beauty and rich wildlife.

The island is named after the Scottish poet William Cowper, who was inspired by its dramatic cliffs and stunning views. Cowper's Craig is characterized by towering sea cliffs that reach up to 100 feet in height, providing a nesting site for numerous seabirds such as guillemots, razorbills, and fulmars. The island also serves as a breeding ground for grey seals, which can often be spotted lounging on the rocky shores.

Access to Cowper's Craig is restricted due to its status as a nature reserve, making it a haven for wildlife and a popular spot for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can catch glimpses of various bird species, watch the seals basking in the sun, and appreciate the untouched beauty of the island's rugged landscape.

Due to its small size and protected status, there are no human inhabitants on Cowper's Craig. However, the island's rich biodiversity and stunning scenery make it a must-visit destination for those who appreciate the natural wonders of the Scottish coast.

In conclusion, Cowper's Craig is a small, uninhabited island off the coast of Banffshire, Scotland. With its dramatic cliffs, diverse birdlife, and thriving seal population, it offers a unique and captivating experience for visitors seeking a glimpse of Scotland's untouched beauty.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Cowper's Craig Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.689663/-2.2885239 or Grid Reference NJ8266. 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

Rainwashed cobbles and shingle, Pennan

Displaying a remarkable variety of colours and rock types. Of interest are the small number of unrounded rocks in amongst them.

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