Altarstanes

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Fife

Scotland

Altarstanes

Simmer Dim at the Low Light, Isle of May The Fife coast extends to Fife Ness in the distance. Mist-nets are erected in the foreground below the old lighthouse for the evening tape-luring of Storm Petrels. — Simmer Dim at the Low Light, Isle of May Credit: Greg Fitchett

Altarstanes is a prominent coastal feature located in the region of Fife, Scotland. It is characterized as a headland or point, jutting out into the North Sea. The headland is situated approximately 3 miles northeast of the town of St. Andrews, renowned for its historic university and golf courses.

Altarstanes is known for its striking geological formations, which have been shaped by millennia of coastal erosion. The headland is composed of rugged cliffs, rising up to 30 meters in some areas, and offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline. These cliffs are formed from layers of sedimentary rock, displaying a range of colors and textures that add to the area's natural beauty.

The headland is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, making it an important site for biodiversity. Seabirds, including kittiwakes and fulmars, can be observed nesting on the cliffs, while seals and porpoises can sometimes be spotted in the waters below. The headland's vegetation is predominantly grasses and low-lying shrubs, adapted to withstand the harsh coastal conditions.

Altarstanes is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Visitors can explore the headland by following various walking trails, which provide access to the cliff tops and offer stunning views of the North Sea. The area is also frequented by birdwatchers, photographers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat in a picturesque coastal setting.

Overall, Altarstanes in Fife is a captivating coastal feature, offering a combination of striking geological formations, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking views that make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts in the region.

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Altarstanes Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.188651/-2.5627082 or Grid Reference NT6599. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Simmer Dim at the Low Light, Isle of May

The Fife coast extends to Fife Ness in the distance. Mist-nets are erected in the foreground below the old lighthouse for the evening tape-luring of Storm Petrels.

Greg Fitchett

Full moon over the May

James Allan

Ghostly Footsteps on Isle of May

Becky Williamson

Looking down on the Beacon

The truncated tower of Scotland's oldest lighthouse (the 1636 Beacon) seen from the cupola of the Stevenson-built 1816 Main Light.

James Allan

Fluke Street

Looking from the top of the Main Light on the Isle of May towards the buildings in Fluke Street (said to have been so called by naval personnel during WW2, having gained its name from a street in the red-light district of Dundee). The buildings were used to house to fog-horn air compressors and lighthouse personnel. On the left is Kirk Haven, with the ferry from Anstruther moored there and on the right is the white tower of the South Horn.

James Allan

Low Light

Built in 1844 this light was used by sailors to avoid the Carr Rocks, but was rendered redundant after about 50 years, when a light ship was moored just off the Carr Rocks. The former lighthouse keepers' accommodation is now regularly used by ornithologists.

James Allan

Grab that serpent

Grab handles on the light platform of the Low Light on the Isle of May.

James Allan

Light casts a shadow

The shadow of the Low Light on the Isle of May cast by the sun on the rocks below.

James Allan

North end of the island

Looking from the top of the Main Light towards the North Horn on the Isle of May. The distant coast is Fife, near Crail, about five miles away.

James Allan

Small pond

One of the few places where water collects on the Isle of May. The 'lumps' on the far horizon are the Bass Rock in the Firth of Forth and Berwick Law in East Lothian.

James Allan

Can you describe a spiral stairway ...

... without using your hands? The ornate stairway leading up the light tower of the Stevenson-built Main Light on the Isle of May, one of the finest examples of the famous builder's work.

James Allan

South extremity

The southernmost tip of the Isle of May.

James Allan

Rocks and stone walls

Walls, presumably constructed by inhabitants of the small village that once existed on the island.

James Allan

Seabirds on the Pillow

A rocky promontory just north of the landing place of Kirk Haven.

James Allan

Wreck of the Island

The Danish steamship Island ran aground on the Isle of May in 1937. Those rusty steel ribs are all that remains of her above water level now. Divers can explore more of her remains between 15 and 29 metres deep in the off-shore waters.

James Allan