South Inch

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

South Inch

The derelict railway carriage at Cairnglass Farm Credit: Peter Aikman

South Inch in Aberdeenshire is a coastal marsh and saltings area located in northeastern Scotland. Situated along the North Sea coast, it covers an expanse of approximately 300 acres and is known for its diverse and unique ecosystem.

This marshland is characterized by its vast stretches of salt marshes, intertidal mudflats, and salt pans. These geographical features are a result of the tidal influence from the nearby North Sea, which brings in a mix of saltwater and freshwater. The constant ebb and flow of the tides have created a rich habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species.

South Inch is home to numerous species of plants that have adapted to the brackish conditions, such as sea lavender, glasswort, and samphire. These plants not only provide essential food and shelter for wildlife but also contribute to the area's scenic beauty with their vibrant colors.

The marshes and mudflats of South Inch serve as a crucial feeding and breeding ground for a plethora of bird species, making it an important site for birdwatching and ornithology. Visitors can spot wading birds like curlews, oystercatchers, and redshanks, as well as migratory birds that stop by during their journeys.

In addition to its ecological significance, South Inch also holds cultural and historical importance. The area has been utilized for centuries for salt production, with evidence of salt pans and salt extraction methods still visible today.

Overall, South Inch in Aberdeenshire offers a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife diversity, and historical significance, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

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South Inch Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.649375/-1.8930629 or Grid Reference NK0662. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The derelict railway carriage at Cairnglass Farm

Peter Aikman

St Combs

David Purchase

Field at Corsekelly

The farm buildings are in the next square, but the foreground field is in this square.

Anne Burgess

Tufted Duck Hotel

This is a very pleasant and, given its out-of-the-way location, surprisingly successful hotel. The building has been much improved since it was first built by the extension at the front. Compare with NK0562 : Tufted Duck Hotel, St Combs, taken eight years earlier.

Anne Burgess

New House

This building came as quite a surprise, and it isn't on the maps yet. On enquiring, I was informed that it is a private house, not yet completed. It certainly has a fine view to seaward.

Anne Burgess

Chain Arch

This is one of a number of sculptures made out of links of chain and painted white standing on an area that used to have a bun in a hollow but has been filled in and levelled. See also NK0562 : Chain Sculptures.

Anne Burgess

Chain Sculptures

I presume that these are some sort of environmental art. Amazing what can be done with some links of chain and a can or three of white paint. See also NK0562 : Chain Arch.

Anne Burgess

North of Inzie Head

A low rocky foreshore extends north from Inzie Head past St Combs.

Anne Burgess

Bench with a View

The bench is built of granite blocks so while it would be a wonderful place to sit and admire the view of Inzie Head and NK0662 : Beach at St Combs, intending users would be well advised to take a cushion with them.

Anne Burgess

Beach at St Combs

This is the north end of a sandy beach that stretches 17 kilometres (almost 11 miles) almost all the way to Peterhead, curving round to landward of NK1157 : Rattray Head Lighthouse.

Anne Burgess

Pallet Graveyard

I have to admit that my first thought on spotting this was, "Firewood!" It would make enough kindling to keep me supplied for years.

Anne Burgess

Builder's Yard?

It looks as if the business here could be laying granite setts. There is a very fine example of such a path at the back of NK0562 : Tufted Duck Hotel.

Anne Burgess

Pillbox, Inzie Head, Aberdeenshire

The pillbox is one of five which overlooked an anti-tank ditch, most of which was a converted drainage ditch, running between Inzie Head and Loch of Strathbeg.

Claire Pegrum

Pillboxes below Gallow Hill, Aberdeenshire

These pillboxes a part of a series of five which overlooked an anti-tank ditch, most of which was a converted drainage ditch, running between Inzie Head and Loch of Strathbeg. As it didn't have the raised beach behind it, the anti-tank ditch in the vicinity of the two further pillboxes was supplemented by mine fields.

Claire Pegrum

Field margin, St Combs, Aberdeenshire

The field margin has been planted with sunflowers, providing a good source of seeds for wild birds. The road which can just be seen to the right is the C21B and the road sign is at its junction with the B9033.

Claire Pegrum

Pillbox, Charlestown, Aberdeenshire

The pillbox is a Scottish variant of the Type 24 design and is one of three which overlooked Whitelinks Bay.

Claire Pegrum

Foreshore at South Inch, St Combs

Rattray Head Lighthouse in the distance.

Alan Reid

Remains of St Colomba's Church, St Combs

All that remains of the medieval church is some masonry from the west gable end now located in the modern graveyard, which is perhaps not surprising given that the church was abandoned in 1608. See Canmore record 21121 for more: Link