Black Rock

Island in Banffshire

Scotland

Black Rock

Stagecoach Bluebird Macduff Bus Depot Credit: Jay T

Black Rock is a small island located off the coast of Banffshire, Scotland. Situated in the North Sea, it is part of the Moray Firth and is approximately 1.5 kilometers in length. The island is known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife.

The landscape of Black Rock is characterized by its rugged cliffs, which provide nesting sites for a variety of seabirds such as guillemots, kittiwakes, and puffins. These cliffs also offer breathtaking views of the surrounding waters and the mainland. The island itself is mostly covered in grass and low-lying vegetation, with no permanent human habitation.

Access to Black Rock is limited due to its remote location and harsh weather conditions. However, it is a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts who are drawn to its unique ecosystem. Visitors can reach the island by boat or take guided tours that offer a chance to explore its natural wonders.

The island's isolation and lack of facilities make it an ideal sanctuary for wildlife. In addition to seabirds, Black Rock is home to colonies of seals that can often be spotted basking on the rocks or swimming in the surrounding waters. The island is also an important feeding ground for dolphins and porpoises, providing a rich marine environment.

Overall, Black Rock offers a rare opportunity to experience the untamed beauty of Scotland's coastline. Its untouched landscapes and abundant wildlife make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers seeking a unique and peaceful escape.

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Black Rock Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.670132/-2.5351798 or Grid Reference NJ6864. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Stagecoach Bluebird Macduff Bus Depot

Jay T

View towards Macduff from Banff beach

Macduff parish kirk is prominent on the hill with the unusual war memorial tower to the right.

Bill Harrison

Macduff parish kirk

Built 1805 (remodelled 1865) on a dramatic hilltop site overlooking Macduff harbour. B-listed (LB37616): Link

Bill Harrison

Macduff railway station (site), Aberdeenshire

Opened in 1872 by the Great North of Scotland Railway as the terminus of its line from Inveramsay, this station closed to passengers in 1951 and completely in 1961. View south at the former forecourt. The building is now used as a retail establishment. The former engine shed can also be seen on the far right of the image.

Nigel Thompson

Anchor Memorial, Church Street, Macduff

Colin Park

A Carpet of Snowdrops

Some of the millions of Snowdrops that bloom every year in the Duff House policies.

Anne Burgess

Fallen Giant

A huge tree presumably felled by last November's Storm Arwen.

Anne Burgess

Snowdrops

At this time of year the woods at Duff House are covered with millions of snowdrops.

Anne Burgess

Duff House Snowdrops

Some of the millions of snowdrops that carpet the Duff House woods in February and March.

Anne Burgess

Robin (Erithacus rubecula)

Unfortunately the Robin flew off before I was able to get a shot with its right foot in it.

Anne Burgess

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Trachystemon oriENtalis)

This alien is quite scarce in Scotland, and the ones here have probably escaped from a garden and established themselves in Duff House Woods.

Anne Burgess

Macduff Distillery

This distillery is quite young, having been built only in 1960. The product is bottled as Glen Deveron. See Link

Anne Burgess

Macduff Distillery

This distillery is quite young, having been built only in 1960. The product is bottled as Glen Deveron. See Link

Anne Burgess

Deveron Bridge

More properly called Banff Bridge, this was built by John Smeaton in 1779, to replace an earlier bridge that had been washed away. It is Category A Listed. See Link

. I have heard a rumour that it is proposed to build a second bridge and I desperately hope that any new bridge will be sited far enough away to preserve the setting of the old bridge. It would be very sad to be unable to view Smeaton's bridge without a soulless 21st century concrete girder construction in the background.

Anne Burgess

River Deveron

Looking upstream from Smeaton's Banff Bridge. The buildings are at Macduff Distillery and on the top of the hill is Montcoffer Wood.

Anne Burgess

Emergency Repairs

We noticed that there were pipes discharging water over the harbour wall and went to investigate. The entrance from the outer harbour to the inner basins has been closed off by two berms. The Railway Pier, where the orange digger is working, collapsed, and a 20-metre split had developed in the outer sea wall, so they are being repaired. Hard luck on the boat owners who are stuck in the marina in the inner basin until the work is completed. It has not been withouts its problems; the original contractor had to be replaced, which also cost time.

Anne Burgess

Model ship on the sea wall, Banff

An irresistible juxtaposition; the ship is full size and anchored off Macduff. It is Petronordic, port of registry Nassau, which is a shuttle tanker, gross tonnage 54865.

Alan Murray-Rust