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Black Craigs

Island in Kirkcudbrightshire

Scotland

Black Craigs

Southerness Lighthouse The Southerness lighthouse is the second oldest lighthouse still in existence in Scotland (<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.engineering-timelines.com/scripts/engineeringItem.asp?id=182" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.engineering-timelines.com/scripts/engineeringItem.asp?id=182">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> Engineering Timelines). The square-based tower was commissioned by the Town Council of Dumfries in 1748 to assist in the safe passage through the Solway Firth of ships heading to the Nith Estuary. At that time roads in South West Scotland were quite sparse so the bulk of trade, even between local villages, was carried out by sea. Dumfries was a major port and there were regular connections with Liverpool and, especially, Ireland. Construction was completed in 1749. Originally a navigational marker, it became a lighthouse probably circa 1811. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1936. The lighthouse is a Category A listed building (LB10415 <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB10415" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB10415">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> Historic Environment Scotland).
Southerness Lighthouse Credit: David Dixon

Black Craigs is a small island located in the Kirkcudbrightshire region of Scotland. Situated off the coast of the Solway Firth, it is known for its rugged and dramatic landscape. The island is roughly 1.5 miles long and half a mile wide, with steep cliffs that rise up to 200 feet in some areas.

The island is characterized by its black rock formations, which give it its name. These cliffs are made of basalt, a volcanic rock that was formed millions of years ago during volcanic activity in the region. The dark color of the rock contrasts with the surrounding greenery, creating a striking visual effect.

Despite its relatively small size, Black Craigs is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Seabirds, such as gannets, fulmars, and kittiwakes, can be spotted nesting on the cliffs. The surrounding waters are also teeming with marine life, including seals, dolphins, and occasional sightings of whales.

Due to its remote location and challenging terrain, the island is not easily accessible to visitors. However, it attracts adventurous hikers and climbers who are drawn to its wild and untamed beauty. The cliffs offer challenging routes for experienced climbers, while the coastal path around the island provides stunning views for hikers.

Black Craigs is a place of natural beauty and tranquility, offering a unique and rugged experience for those willing to explore its untamed landscape.

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Black Craigs Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.880347/-3.5826267 or Grid Reference NX9855. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Southerness Lighthouse The Southerness lighthouse is the second oldest lighthouse still in existence in Scotland (<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.engineering-timelines.com/scripts/engineeringItem.asp?id=182" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.engineering-timelines.com/scripts/engineeringItem.asp?id=182">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> Engineering Timelines). The square-based tower was commissioned by the Town Council of Dumfries in 1748 to assist in the safe passage through the Solway Firth of ships heading to the Nith Estuary. At that time roads in South West Scotland were quite sparse so the bulk of trade, even between local villages, was carried out by sea. Dumfries was a major port and there were regular connections with Liverpool and, especially, Ireland. Construction was completed in 1749. Originally a navigational marker, it became a lighthouse probably circa 1811. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1936. The lighthouse is a Category A listed building (LB10415 <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB10415" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB10415">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> Historic Environment Scotland).
Southerness Lighthouse
The Southerness lighthouse is the second oldest lighthouse still in existence in Scotland (LinkExternal link Engineering Timelines). The square-based tower was commissioned by the Town Council of Dumfries in 1748 to assist in the safe passage through the Solway Firth of ships heading to the Nith Estuary. At that time roads in South West Scotland were quite sparse so the bulk of trade, even between local villages, was carried out by sea. Dumfries was a major port and there were regular connections with Liverpool and, especially, Ireland. Construction was completed in 1749. Originally a navigational marker, it became a lighthouse probably circa 1811. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1936. The lighthouse is a Category A listed building (LB10415 LinkExternal link Historic Environment Scotland).
Lighthouse at Southerness Point The Southerness lighthouse is at present the second oldest lighthouse still in existence in Scotland (<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.engineering-timelines.com/scripts/engineeringItem.asp?id=182" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.engineering-timelines.com/scripts/engineeringItem.asp?id=182">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> Engineering Timelines). The square-based tower was commissioned by the Town Council of Dumfries in 1748 to assist in the safe passage through the Solway Firth of ships heading to the Nith Estuary. At that time roads in South West Scotland were quite sparse so the bulk of trade, even between local villages, was carried out by sea. Dumfries was a major port and there were regular connections with Liverpool and, especially, Ireland. Construction was completed in 1749. Originally a navigational marker, it became a lighthouse probably circa 1811. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1936. The lighthouse is a Category A listed building (LB10415 <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB10415" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB10415">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> Historic Environment Scotland).
Lighthouse at Southerness Point
The Southerness lighthouse is at present the second oldest lighthouse still in existence in Scotland (LinkExternal link Engineering Timelines). The square-based tower was commissioned by the Town Council of Dumfries in 1748 to assist in the safe passage through the Solway Firth of ships heading to the Nith Estuary. At that time roads in South West Scotland were quite sparse so the bulk of trade, even between local villages, was carried out by sea. Dumfries was a major port and there were regular connections with Liverpool and, especially, Ireland. Construction was completed in 1749. Originally a navigational marker, it became a lighthouse probably circa 1811. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1936. The lighthouse is a Category A listed building (LB10415 LinkExternal link Historic Environment Scotland).
Coastal Path at Southerness
Coastal Path at Southerness
Southerness Southerness is a small, compact coastal village located approximately 2 miles south of the A710 between Caulkerbush and Kirkbean. The town today is mainly a tourist village dominated by the Southerness Holiday Village with its large number of static caravans.
Southerness
Southerness is a small, compact coastal village located approximately 2 miles south of the A710 between Caulkerbush and Kirkbean. The town today is mainly a tourist village dominated by the Southerness Holiday Village with its large number of static caravans.
Gillfoot Bay
Gillfoot Bay
Southerness Lighthouse
Southerness Lighthouse
Southerness Point
Southerness Point
Thirl Stane
Thirl Stane
Thirl Stane
Thirl Stane
Shore at Powillimount
Shore at Powillimount
Gillfoot Bay
Gillfoot Bay
Lighthouse and sea defences Southerness is suffering from erosion, and even the concrete at the base of the lighthouse is showing signs of undermining. Change here has been profound, and I remember a wide sandy beach here in the 1980s, where it was customary to drive straight onto the sand to park.
Lighthouse and sea defences
Southerness is suffering from erosion, and even the concrete at the base of the lighthouse is showing signs of undermining. Change here has been profound, and I remember a wide sandy beach here in the 1980s, where it was customary to drive straight onto the sand to park.
Paul Jones Hotel with lighthouse Icons of Southerness, and memories that I could not suppress.
Paul Jones Hotel with lighthouse
Icons of Southerness, and memories that I could not suppress.
Powillimount farmhouse A view along the road to the iconic farmhouse, a scene which somehow speaks of the place.
Powillimount farmhouse
A view along the road to the iconic farmhouse, a scene which somehow speaks of the place.
Stubble fields and Dunbar A view over stubble fields to the isolated cottage on the edge of woodland.
Stubble fields and Dunbar
A view over stubble fields to the isolated cottage on the edge of woodland.
Stubble field with bales Another view of the extraordinary arable fields, towards trees shaped by the wind from the sea.
Stubble field with bales
Another view of the extraordinary arable fields, towards trees shaped by the wind from the sea.
Sedimentary strata My assistants are giving critical attention to a fabulous set of inclined sedimentary rocks of Carboniferous age, belonging to the Border Group of Chadian to Holkerian age. Here we see (from right to left, going downwards) sandstone, siltstone, sandstone, coal and limestone, which is a typical bundle of diverse facies reflecting regular changes in depositional environment brought on by minor sea level changes. The simple explanation for the inclination of the beds is that the camera is viewing one side of a monoclinal structure which is one limb of a fold. In fact the strata on the beach are bent into a series of zig-zags representing a number of folds which plunge eastwards. See also <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6982072">NX9956 : Folded strata</a> for my best attempt at showing this (aerial imagery is much better).
Sedimentary strata
My assistants are giving critical attention to a fabulous set of inclined sedimentary rocks of Carboniferous age, belonging to the Border Group of Chadian to Holkerian age. Here we see (from right to left, going downwards) sandstone, siltstone, sandstone, coal and limestone, which is a typical bundle of diverse facies reflecting regular changes in depositional environment brought on by minor sea level changes. The simple explanation for the inclination of the beds is that the camera is viewing one side of a monoclinal structure which is one limb of a fold. In fact the strata on the beach are bent into a series of zig-zags representing a number of folds which plunge eastwards. See also NX9956 : Folded strata for my best attempt at showing this (aerial imagery is much better).
Folded strata Rock strata on the shore display curved traces resulting from erosion of a plunging synclinal structure. The competent beds are covered with seaweed, which gives a good visualisation of the structure across a wide area of the beach platform. In the centre of the image, the change of orientation of the tilted beds is easily discerned. A second fold closure is behind the camera, but is much less easy to detect. Unfortunately an elevated viewpoint is not easily obtained here. Drone anybody? Aerial imagery of this scene from the OS Maps web site is spectacular. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6982059">NX9956 : Sedimentary strata</a> for explanation of the strata.
Folded strata
Rock strata on the shore display curved traces resulting from erosion of a plunging synclinal structure. The competent beds are covered with seaweed, which gives a good visualisation of the structure across a wide area of the beach platform. In the centre of the image, the change of orientation of the tilted beds is easily discerned. A second fold closure is behind the camera, but is much less easy to detect. Unfortunately an elevated viewpoint is not easily obtained here. Drone anybody? Aerial imagery of this scene from the OS Maps web site is spectacular. See NX9956 : Sedimentary strata for explanation of the strata.
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Black Craigs is located at Grid Ref: NX9855 (Lat: 54.880347, Lng: -3.5826267)

Unitary Authority: Dumfries and Galloway

Police Authority: Dumfries and Galloway

What 3 Words

///players.ripen.apartment. Near Silloth, Cumbria

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