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Rotten Nick

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Ayrshire

Scotland

Rotten Nick

Swine cave and disused foghorn on Ailsa Craig
Swine cave and disused foghorn on Ailsa Craig Credit: John Ferguson

Rotten Nick is a prominent coastal feature located in Ayrshire, Scotland. It is a headland or point that juts out into the sea, offering stunning views of the surrounding area. The name "Rotten Nick" is believed to have originated from the Scottish word "nick," meaning a narrow pass or gorge, while "rotten" might refer to the decaying seaweed or organic matter often found in the area.

This coastal landmark is known for its rugged beauty and rocky cliffs, which create a dramatic backdrop against the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Its location provides a strategic vantage point for observing marine life, including various seabird species such as gulls, cormorants, and puffins that nest in the cliffs.

Rotten Nick is also a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for coastal walks and hikes along its trails. Visitors can explore the headland's diverse flora and fauna, including wildflowers, grasses, and the occasional seal or dolphin sighting offshore.

The area surrounding Rotten Nick is rich in history, with remnants of ancient settlements and archaeological sites nearby. These historical features add to the allure of the location, attracting both nature lovers and history buffs.

Overall, Rotten Nick in Ayrshire is a captivating coastal feature that combines breathtaking natural beauty with a touch of historical intrigue. Whether it is for a scenic stroll or a chance to immerse oneself in the region's rich heritage, this headland offers a unique experience for visitors of all interests.

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Rotten Nick Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.248638/-5.1188799 or Grid Reference NX0199. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Swine cave and disused foghorn on Ailsa Craig
Swine cave and disused foghorn on Ailsa Craig
Swine holes below the cliffs on Ailsa Craig
Swine holes below the cliffs on Ailsa Craig
Ailsa Craig - on the walkway which leads to the northern Fog Horn
Ailsa Craig - on the walkway which leads to the northern Fog Horn
Ailsa Craig The disused northern foghorn and Swine cave on the north-western side of Ailsa Craig.
Ailsa Craig
The disused northern foghorn and Swine cave on the north-western side of Ailsa Craig.
Ailsa Craig The 'Swine Holes' on the north-eastern side of the island. The raised track carried a compressed air pipeline for the nearby foghorn.
Ailsa Craig
The 'Swine Holes' on the north-eastern side of the island. The raised track carried a compressed air pipeline for the nearby foghorn.
Ailsa Craig Ailsa Craig Ailsa Craig in the Firth of Clyde southwest of Turnberry, Ayrshire. The photo was taken from the lay-by on the A719 road between the Electric Brae and Dunure. The island is quarried for its rare microgranite which is used to manufacture curling stones and according to Wikipedia, 'As of 2004, 60–70% of all curling stones in use were made from granite from the island.' A disused section of the Maidens and Dunure Light Railway on the Ayrshire coast can be seen above the waterline.
Ailsa Craig
Ailsa Craig Ailsa Craig in the Firth of Clyde southwest of Turnberry, Ayrshire. The photo was taken from the lay-by on the A719 road between the Electric Brae and Dunure. The island is quarried for its rare microgranite which is used to manufacture curling stones and according to Wikipedia, 'As of 2004, 60–70% of all curling stones in use were made from granite from the island.' A disused section of the Maidens and Dunure Light Railway on the Ayrshire coast can be seen above the waterline.
Collapsed bridge The engineering of the walkway, which also carried the compressed-air pipes to the northern foghorn, is impressive. Here an iron girder span is in a dire state of corrosion and collapse, but the concrete arches are in good shape. Notable on the shore is an abandoned stone block from which a curling-stone blank has been removed by coring. A great deal of the rock on the shore is angular, and probably waste tipped from the curling-stone working.
Collapsed bridge
The engineering of the walkway, which also carried the compressed-air pipes to the northern foghorn, is impressive. Here an iron girder span is in a dire state of corrosion and collapse, but the concrete arches are in good shape. Notable on the shore is an abandoned stone block from which a curling-stone blank has been removed by coring. A great deal of the rock on the shore is angular, and probably waste tipped from the curling-stone working.
Modern extraction In 2020, Kays Curling Stones applied for permission to take new stone from the island and extended their lease on quarries until 2050 and permitted to take 25,000 tons of stone. Here is the site of extraction from 2021 which was famous for providing stones for the 2022 Beijing Olympic games. Extraction takes place during the winter so that seabirds are not disturbed, and that brings its own logistical problems on this island.
Modern extraction
In 2020, Kays Curling Stones applied for permission to take new stone from the island and extended their lease on quarries until 2050 and permitted to take 25,000 tons of stone. Here is the site of extraction from 2021 which was famous for providing stones for the 2022 Beijing Olympic games. Extraction takes place during the winter so that seabirds are not disturbed, and that brings its own logistical problems on this island.
Walkway to north foghorn Beyond this point the path to the north foghorn is unsafe according to a prominent sign, the handrail and footbridges being in disrepair.
Walkway to north foghorn
Beyond this point the path to the north foghorn is unsafe according to a prominent sign, the handrail and footbridges being in disrepair.
Eider Ducks There were several dozen of these strikingly handsome ducks swimming in groups within fifty yards of the shore. As yet, this early in the year, there were no signs of nesting.
Eider Ducks
There were several dozen of these strikingly handsome ducks swimming in groups within fifty yards of the shore. As yet, this early in the year, there were no signs of nesting.
Ailsa Craig View This view of Ailsa Craig shows the remains of the old tramway that used to transport the fine-grained micro-granite which was quarried here to make curling stones, kerbstones and cobbles. In the 15th century, the island belonged to the monastic order at Crossraguel Abbey. Apparently it was used as a place of solitary confinement for clerics who had failed in their duties.
Ailsa Craig View
This view of Ailsa Craig shows the remains of the old tramway that used to transport the fine-grained micro-granite which was quarried here to make curling stones, kerbstones and cobbles. In the 15th century, the island belonged to the monastic order at Crossraguel Abbey. Apparently it was used as a place of solitary confinement for clerics who had failed in their duties.
Goodbye Ailsa Ailsa Craig, viewed as the paddle steamer “Waverley” left for the return journey to Ayr on a particularly good late-July afternoon. Formed by intense volcanic activity about 60 million years ago, the spectacular rocky island looks different on each side, with huge columnar cliffs rising straight up from the sea. Whatever the weather, a sail around the Craig is always a memorable experience.
Goodbye Ailsa
Ailsa Craig, viewed as the paddle steamer “Waverley” left for the return journey to Ayr on a particularly good late-July afternoon. Formed by intense volcanic activity about 60 million years ago, the spectacular rocky island looks different on each side, with huge columnar cliffs rising straight up from the sea. Whatever the weather, a sail around the Craig is always a memorable experience.
Leaving Ailsa Craig Ailsa Craig with a tiny cloud cap, viewed as the paddle steamer “Waverley” left for the return journey to Ayr on a particularly good late-July afternoon. Formed by intense volcanic activity about 60 million years ago, the spectacular rocky island looks different on each side, with huge columnar cliffs rising straight up from the sea. Whatever the weather, a sail around the Craig is always a memorable experience.
Leaving Ailsa Craig
Ailsa Craig with a tiny cloud cap, viewed as the paddle steamer “Waverley” left for the return journey to Ayr on a particularly good late-July afternoon. Formed by intense volcanic activity about 60 million years ago, the spectacular rocky island looks different on each side, with huge columnar cliffs rising straight up from the sea. Whatever the weather, a sail around the Craig is always a memorable experience.
Eagle's Seat Ailsa Craig, viewed at Eagle's Seat as the paddle steamer “Waverley” left for the return journey to Ayr on a particularly good late-July afternoon. Formed by intense volcanic activity about 60 million years ago, the spectacular rocky island looks different on each side, with huge columnar cliffs rising straight up from the sea. Whatever the weather, a sail around the Craig is always a memorable experience.
Eagle's Seat
Ailsa Craig, viewed at Eagle's Seat as the paddle steamer “Waverley” left for the return journey to Ayr on a particularly good late-July afternoon. Formed by intense volcanic activity about 60 million years ago, the spectacular rocky island looks different on each side, with huge columnar cliffs rising straight up from the sea. Whatever the weather, a sail around the Craig is always a memorable experience.
Eagle's Seat View Ailsa Craig with a tiny cloud cap, viewed at Eagle's Seat as the paddle steamer “Waverley” left for the return journey to Ayr on a particularly good late-July afternoon. Formed by intense volcanic activity about 60 million years ago, the spectacular rocky island looks different on each side, with huge columnar cliffs rising straight up from the sea. Whatever the weather, a sail around the Craig is always a memorable experience.
Eagle's Seat View
Ailsa Craig with a tiny cloud cap, viewed at Eagle's Seat as the paddle steamer “Waverley” left for the return journey to Ayr on a particularly good late-July afternoon. Formed by intense volcanic activity about 60 million years ago, the spectacular rocky island looks different on each side, with huge columnar cliffs rising straight up from the sea. Whatever the weather, a sail around the Craig is always a memorable experience.
Ailsa View A distant view of Ailsa Craig taken from the passenger steamer "Waverley" on a beautiful late-July afternoon when the Craig was developing a small cloud cap. The island lies half-way between Glasgow and Belfast, giving rise to the nick-name of “Paddy’s Milestone”, a landmark for Irish immigrants heading for Scotland in the 19th century.
Ailsa View
A distant view of Ailsa Craig taken from the passenger steamer "Waverley" on a beautiful late-July afternoon when the Craig was developing a small cloud cap. The island lies half-way between Glasgow and Belfast, giving rise to the nick-name of “Paddy’s Milestone”, a landmark for Irish immigrants heading for Scotland in the 19th century.
Towards Ailsa Craig A distant Ailsa Craig, viewed from the paddle steamer “Waverley” on a particularly good late-July afternoon. Formed by intense volcanic activity about 60 million years ago, the spectacular rocky island looks different on each side, with huge columnar cliffs rising straight up from the sea. The island lies half-way between Glasgow and Belfast, giving rise to the nick-name of “Paddy’s Milestone”, a landmark for Irish immigrants heading for Scotland in the 19th century. A local weather saying claims that, if you can see Ailsa, it’s going to rain and, if you can’t see Ailsa, it’s raining already.
Towards Ailsa Craig
A distant Ailsa Craig, viewed from the paddle steamer “Waverley” on a particularly good late-July afternoon. Formed by intense volcanic activity about 60 million years ago, the spectacular rocky island looks different on each side, with huge columnar cliffs rising straight up from the sea. The island lies half-way between Glasgow and Belfast, giving rise to the nick-name of “Paddy’s Milestone”, a landmark for Irish immigrants heading for Scotland in the 19th century. A local weather saying claims that, if you can see Ailsa, it’s going to rain and, if you can’t see Ailsa, it’s raining already.
Eagle's Seat The north end of Ailsa Craig. Very steep ground, often overhanging. Anything not overhanging has a gannet on it.
Eagle's Seat
The north end of Ailsa Craig. Very steep ground, often overhanging. Anything not overhanging has a gannet on it.
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Rotten Nick is located at Grid Ref: NX0199 (Lat: 55.248638, Lng: -5.1188799)

Unitary Authority: South Ayrshire

Police Authority: Ayrshire

What 3 Words

///suspends.homelands.doing. Near Girvan, South Ayrshire

Nearby Locations

Ashydoo Craig Ashwaun Main Craig Stranny Point Ashydoo Church Rotten Nick

Related Wikis

Ailsa Craig
Ailsa Craig

Ailsa Craig (; Scots: Ailsae Craig; Scottish Gaelic: Creag Ealasaid) is an island of 99 ha (240 acres) in the outer Firth of Clyde, 16 km (8+1⁄2 nmi) west...

Ailsa Craig Lighthouse
Ailsa Craig Lighthouse

The Ailsa Craig Lighthouse, is an active 19th century lighthouse located on Ailsa Craig, an island in the Firth of Clyde, just offshore from Girvan, South...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 55.248638,-5.1188799
Ailsa Craig
Corbett: no
Ele: 340
Graham: no
Marilyn: yes
Munro: no
Name Sco: Ailsae Craig
Natural: peak
Prominence: 340
Wikidata: Q405346
Wikipedia: en:Ailsa Craig
Lat/Long: 55.2527392/-5.118173
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Man Made: survey_point
Lat/Long: 55.2527182/-5.1182771
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
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