Beacon Rock

Island in Fife

Scotland

Beacon Rock

Heading for Madeira Neat beech hedges line the road from Inch Farm towards a property named &#039;Madeira&#039;. — Heading for Madeira Credit: James Allan

Beacon Rock is a small but prominent landmark located on the Fife coastline in Scotland. It is situated on a small island known as Beacon Rock Island, located in the Firth of Forth. The island is accessible by foot during low tide, but at high tide, it becomes completely surrounded by water.

The rock itself stands at an impressive height of approximately 100 feet (30 meters) and is composed of volcanic dolerite rock. It is believed to have formed millions of years ago during a volcanic eruption. Over time, erosion and weathering have shaped the rock into its distinctive form.

The island and the rock have been of significant importance throughout history. In the past, Beacon Rock served as a navigational aid for ships entering the Firth of Forth. It was used as a beacon to guide vessels safely through the treacherous waters. The rock also had a small lighthouse on its summit, which further aided in navigation.

Today, Beacon Rock Island and the rock itself are popular attractions for tourists and locals alike. The island offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline, and visitors can enjoy birdwatching and exploring the rock's unique geological features. However, due to its status as a protected site, climbing the rock is prohibited to preserve its natural state.

In conclusion, Beacon Rock is a notable landmark on the Fife coastline. With its geological significance and historical importance, it continues to be a captivating destination for those interested in Scotland's natural beauty and maritime heritage.

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Beacon Rock Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.210841/-2.7297962 or Grid Reference NO5402. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Heading for Madeira

Neat beech hedges line the road from Inch Farm towards a property named 'Madeira'.

James Allan

Bridge near Crawhill

A substantial stone bridge carrying a farm track across a wee burn.

James Allan

Milestone, Pittenweem

I think you have to know the area pretty well to understand this milestone!

Becky Williamson

Pittenweem Harbour

The late afternoon autumn sun catches the attractive harbour at Pittenweem, one of a series on this stretch of the Fife coast and one that still has an active fishing fleet.

Stephen McKay

Fife Coast path east of St Monans

The windmill was once used to pump seawater up into salt pans for salt extraction, at one time an important industry around the Forth coast.

Jim Barton

Houses by the harbour, Pittenweem

Red tiled roofs and white walls make an attractive scene in this Fife coast village.

Jim Barton

West shore, Pittenweem

The Fife Coast path takes the seafront road past the harbour on the way to Anstruther.

Jim Barton

Clifftop path, Pittenweem

These houses on the east side of Pittenweem are not far from the cliff edge. The path continues east to Anstruther.

Jim Barton

High Street in Pittenweem

The parish church, in the Fife fishing village, dominates the scene.

James Denham

The inner harbour at Pittenweem

One of the busiest fishing harbours in south-east Scotland.

James Denham

Windmill, St Monans

A legacy of the salt industry which once operated in St Monans.

Euan Nelson

Salt pans, St Monans

Although salt pans were operating in St Monans in the seventeenth century, the remains of the salt pans which can be seen on this stretch of the Fife Coastal Path belong to the late eighteenth century and were established by the Newark Coal and Saltwork Company. This company was founded in 1771 by Sir John Anstruther, and the Dunbar merchant, Robert Fall.

Euan Nelson