Birnies Rock

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Banffshire

Scotland

Birnies Rock

Looking down on Crovie The area at the bottom is the only part of the village that can be reached by motor vehicles and is reserved for local residents&#039; use. This is the view from the public car park higher up the cliff. A feature of the village is that every single building bar one is Listed. (The local pronunciation is – more or less – Crivvy) — Looking down on Crovie Credit: Alan Murray-Rust

Birnies Rock is a prominent coastal feature located in Banffshire, Scotland. Situated on the eastern coast of the country, it is specifically found on the edge of the North Sea. This impressive rock formation is classified as a headland, also commonly referred to as a point due to its distinct shape.

Standing tall and proud, Birnies Rock juts out into the sea, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It is composed of rugged cliffs, which are formed from layers of sedimentary rock that have been eroded over time by the powerful forces of wind and water. These cliffs rise to a considerable height, providing a dramatic backdrop against the crashing waves below.

The rock itself is characterized by its unique shape, resembling a large, jagged tooth. It is a well-known landmark in the area and has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Visitors can witness the raw power of nature as they stand on the edge of the headland, taking in the awe-inspiring vistas of the North Sea stretching out into the horizon.

Birnies Rock also serves as a habitat for a variety of seabirds, such as gulls and cormorants, which nest on its cliffs and use the surrounding waters as a hunting ground. The area is protected, ensuring the preservation of its natural beauty and the conservation of its avian inhabitants.

In summary, Birnies Rock in Banffshire is a stunning coastal feature that captivates visitors with its towering cliffs and magnificent views. It is a testament to the power of nature and provides a vital habitat for local wildlife.

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Birnies Rock Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.671486/-2.3544136 or Grid Reference NJ7864. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Looking down on Crovie

The area at the bottom is the only part of the village that can be reached by motor vehicles and is reserved for local residents' use. This is the view from the public car park higher up the cliff. A feature of the village is that every single building bar one is Listed. (The local pronunciation is – more or less – Crivvy)

Alan Murray-Rust

A general view of Crovie

The Conservation Area Appraisal Link

states that the village first became established in the early 18th century, either as a result of the clearances or simply as a new fishing village, although it is unclear which. Expansion came from 1718 when a government fishing bounty was introduced. By 1820 9 drifters and 28 smaller boats were in operation. The photo shows the difficulties that must have arisen from rocky foreshore exposed at low tide, with only a small area of shingle beach for beaching boats. The jetty was not built until 1883 to afford some protection as well as easier landing of catch at lower tides. At this stage there were some 60 vessels of varying sizes! The Great Storm of 1953 caused severe damage with breaches of the sea wall and major damage to buildings, to the extent that in 1958 there was a Government order to abandon the village. Local opposition to this ensured its survival, although today many of the buildings are owned as holiday homes.

Alan Murray-Rust

Crovie, Aberdeenshire

Taken from Crovie Viewpoint, south of the town at around 60m AOD

Hobs

Crovie

A view across Gamrie Bay towards the fishing village of Crovie

Ralph Greig

The Fishing village of Crovie

Ralph Greig

St John's Church

A telephoto zoom shot of the remains of the church, surrounded by the churchyard, on the cliff opposite Gardenstown Harbour.

Carron K

Craigandargity, off Gardenstown

Rocks in Gamrie Bay. There were cormorants visible on the rocks.

Carron K

Gardenstown and harbour

A view of the village from the harbour wall.

Alan Findlay

Den of Afforsk

Compare with NJ7863 : Bog of Minnonie, taken nine years earlier when the whins were in similar bloom, but note that the pond has dried up.

Anne Burgess

Farmland at Dubford

Above the steep gully of the Den of Findon.

David Purchase

Gardenstown village

Attractive though this is, I can see that there would be some disadvantages about living here. Fancy returning home late at night and finding someone coming the other way. One or both of you might end up in the sea!

David Purchase

Gardenstown harbour, Aberdeenshire

Euan Nelson

St John's Church

This is the interior of the old parish kirk of Gamrie, which was founded in 1004. The present fabric dates mainly from the 16th century, but has become ruinous since the new parish kirk was built in 1829-1830.

Anne Burgess