Gilla Head

Island in Banffshire

Scotland

Gilla Head

Rocky Foreshore Ribs of rocky teeth extend to seaward from the beach east of the Marine Aquarium. — Rocky Foreshore Credit: Anne Burgess

Gilla Head is a small island located off the northeastern coast of Scotland in Banffshire. Situated in the North Sea, it is part of the county of Aberdeenshire. The island is relatively small, measuring approximately 1.5 acres in size.

Gilla Head is known for its rugged and rocky terrain, with steep cliffs surrounding most of its coastline. The island is uninhabited and lacks any significant vegetation, apart from some hardy grasses and shrubs that manage to grow in the harsh conditions.

Despite its small size and lack of human habitation, Gilla Head is home to a diverse range of seabirds, including puffins, razorbills, and kittiwakes. These birds use the island's cliffs for nesting and breeding during the spring and summer months, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Access to Gilla Head is limited due to its remote location and challenging terrain. The island can only be reached by boat, and visitors are advised to take caution when navigating the rocky shoreline. However, for those willing to make the journey, Gilla Head offers a unique opportunity to experience the untamed beauty of Scotland's coastal landscape and observe its vibrant avian population.

Overall, Gilla Head is a picturesque and unspoiled island, providing a sanctuary for seabirds and offering a glimpse into the wild and natural world of Scotland's Banffshire region.

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Gilla Head Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.67257/-2.4735211 or Grid Reference NJ7164. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Rocky Foreshore

Ribs of rocky teeth extend to seaward from the beach east of the Marine Aquarium.

Anne Burgess

Shore at Macduff

In the foreground is the rock armour intended to prevent erosion of the land on which the Marine Aquarium stands.

Anne Burgess

Mouse-ear Hawkweed

Hawkweeds, Hawksbeards and Hawkbits all have dandelion-like flowers and are notoriously difficult to tell apart. This is the exception, instantly recognisable because its flowers are lemon-yellow, while all the others are more canary-yellow.

Anne Burgess

Loch Craig

In the foreground is the sea wall of the Tarlair open-air swimming pool. Loch craig is the sea inlet offshore. The ship is Petronordic, port of registry Nassau, which is a shuttle tanker, gross tonnage 54865.

Anne Burgess

House Martin (Delichon urbica)

There are half a dozen nests under the roof of the pavilion at the Tarlair swimming pool. Note the bird sitting in this nest, presumably incubating eggs.

Anne Burgess

Tarlair Lido, 2022

The monochrome emphasises the current state of disrepair of the pavilion, but that is set to change, as funding has been secured and listed building consent given for its refurbishment starting in 2022. The Friends of Tarlair Link

are working towards making this a vibrant leisure destination once again. The Category A Listed facility deserves nothing less.

Alan Murray-Rust

Natural sloping slabs at Tarlair

At the entrance to the lido.

Alan Murray-Rust

The road to Tarlair

Looking towards Macduff. The building to the right of the road is the Well of Tarlair. It dates from c.1800. The chalybeate waters enjoyed considerable popularity for their medicinal and health giving properties in the NE during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Alan Murray-Rust

Threading the needle

View through the natural arch known locally as the Needle's Eye

Alan Murray-Rust

Tarlair Lido - the swimming pool

The lowest of the three pools. The terraces were restored in 2014, and restoration of the pavilion is due to commence in 2022.

Alan Murray-Rust

Tarlair Lido, the three pools

Nearest, surrounded by the narrow wall was a paddling pool, the next area being a boating pool with the main swimming pool furthest away. The surrounds of the pools were restored in 2014. The complex Listed Category A.

Alan Murray-Rust