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Black Craig

Island in Banffshire

Scotland

Black Craig

Mains of Melrose Fields of ripening barley on the undulating fields at the top of the cliffs at Melrose.
Mains of Melrose Credit: Anne Burgess

Black Craig is a small island located off the coast of Banffshire, Scotland. It is situated in the North Sea, approximately 3 miles east of the town of Portsoy. The island is known for its unique geological features and diverse wildlife.

At just 30 meters in height, Black Craig is a relatively small island measuring approximately 500 meters in length and 200 meters in width. Its rugged cliffs and rocky shoreline make it a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The island is home to a variety of seabirds including razorbills, guillemots, and puffins, which can be observed nesting in the cliffs during the breeding season.

The island's geology is of particular interest, as it is composed of Old Red Sandstone, a sedimentary rock formation that dates back over 400 million years. The sandstone cliffs on Black Craig exhibit unique patterns and colors, providing a stunning backdrop for photography and exploration.

Access to Black Craig is limited due to its remote location and lack of amenities. Visitors looking to explore the island are advised to hire local boat services or participate in guided tours that depart from nearby ports. It is essential to respect the island's fragile ecosystem and wildlife, ensuring that no harm is caused to the natural environment.

Black Craig is a hidden gem in the Banffshire region, offering a tranquil escape for those seeking rugged beauty and a unique geological experience.

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Black Craig Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.670177/-2.3843071 or Grid Reference NJ7764. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Mains of Melrose Fields of ripening barley on the undulating fields at the top of the cliffs at Melrose.
Mains of Melrose
Fields of ripening barley on the undulating fields at the top of the cliffs at Melrose.
Wild Angelica (Angelica sylvestris) A fat flower-head, reminiscent of cauliflower. Angelica is very common on the banks below the cliffs here.
Wild Angelica (Angelica sylvestris)
A fat flower-head, reminiscent of cauliflower. Angelica is very common on the banks below the cliffs here.
Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea) The bright yellow flowers of Goldenrod are common on the grassy banks along this stretch of coast.
Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea)
The bright yellow flowers of Goldenrod are common on the grassy banks along this stretch of coast.
Lady's Bedstraw (Galium verum) In olden days the flowers of this common plant were strewn on floors to give a pleasant scent.
Lady's Bedstraw (Galium verum)
In olden days the flowers of this common plant were strewn on floors to give a pleasant scent.
Scurrs of Greenside Scurrs of Greenside is the name given to the flat rocks and shore here. It's an interesting word. I imagined at first that it was related to the Gaelic Sgùrr, meaning a conical hill, and I couldn't see the relevance. It turns out, however, that it is from Latin scurra, meaning a buffoon, from which English gets the word scurrilous. In Scots the meaning was extended to mean a low rascal or a sheriff's officer! Over time it came to mean anything low, which makes far more sense.
Scurrs of Greenside
Scurrs of Greenside is the name given to the flat rocks and shore here. It's an interesting word. I imagined at first that it was related to the Gaelic Sgùrr, meaning a conical hill, and I couldn't see the relevance. It turns out, however, that it is from Latin scurra, meaning a buffoon, from which English gets the word scurrilous. In Scots the meaning was extended to mean a low rascal or a sheriff's officer! Over time it came to mean anything low, which makes far more sense.
White Bluebells (Campanula rotundifolia) In England these are called Harebells, but C rotundifolia is the true Bluebell of Scotland. I'd never seen a pure white one before.
White Bluebells (Campanula rotundifolia)
In England these are called Harebells, but C rotundifolia is the true Bluebell of Scotland. I'd never seen a pure white one before.
White Bluebell (Campanula rotundifolia) In England this would be called a Harebell, but C rotundifolia is the true Bluebell of Scotland. I'd never seen a pure white one before.
White Bluebell (Campanula rotundifolia)
In England this would be called a Harebell, but C rotundifolia is the true Bluebell of Scotland. I'd never seen a pure white one before.
Lady's Bedstraw (Galium verum) In olden days the flowers of this common plant were strewn on floors to give a pleasant scent.
Lady's Bedstraw (Galium verum)
In olden days the flowers of this common plant were strewn on floors to give a pleasant scent.
White Bluebells (Campanula rotundifolia) In England these are called Harebells, but C rotundifolia is the true Bluebell of Scotland. I'd never seen a pure white one before.
White Bluebells (Campanula rotundifolia)
In England these are called Harebells, but C rotundifolia is the true Bluebell of Scotland. I'd never seen a pure white one before.
Scurrs of Greenside Scurrs of Greenside is the name given to the flat rocks and shore here. It's an interesting word. I imagined at first that it was related to the Gaelic Sgùrr, meaning a conical hill, and I couldn't see the relevance. It turns out, however, that it is from Latin scurra, meaning a buffoon, from which English gets the word scurrilous. In Scots the meaning was extended to mean a low rascal or a sheriff's officer! Over time it came to mean anything low, which makes far more sense.
Scurrs of Greenside
Scurrs of Greenside is the name given to the flat rocks and shore here. It's an interesting word. I imagined at first that it was related to the Gaelic Sgùrr, meaning a conical hill, and I couldn't see the relevance. It turns out, however, that it is from Latin scurra, meaning a buffoon, from which English gets the word scurrilous. In Scots the meaning was extended to mean a low rascal or a sheriff's officer! Over time it came to mean anything low, which makes far more sense.
Scurrs of Greenside Scurrs of Greenside is the name given to the flat rocks and shore here. It's an interesting word. I imagined at first that it was related to the Gaelic Sgùrr, meaning a conical hill, and I couldn't see the relevance. It turns out, however, that it is from Latin scurra, meaning a buffoon, from which English gets the word scurrilous. In Scots the meaning was extended to mean a low rascal or a sheriff's officer! Over time it came to mean anything low, which makes far more sense.
Scurrs of Greenside
Scurrs of Greenside is the name given to the flat rocks and shore here. It's an interesting word. I imagined at first that it was related to the Gaelic Sgùrr, meaning a conical hill, and I couldn't see the relevance. It turns out, however, that it is from Latin scurra, meaning a buffoon, from which English gets the word scurrilous. In Scots the meaning was extended to mean a low rascal or a sheriff's officer! Over time it came to mean anything low, which makes far more sense.
Sea Mayweed (Tripleurospermum maritimum) The large daisy-like flowers are plentiful along the back of the beach here.
Sea Mayweed (Tripleurospermum maritimum)
The large daisy-like flowers are plentiful along the back of the beach here.
Sea Sandwort |(Honckenya peploides) There's a large carpet of this plant on the sandy upper part of the beach. The green balls are seeds.
Sea Sandwort |(Honckenya peploides)
There's a large carpet of this plant on the sandy upper part of the beach. The green balls are seeds.
Rusting Metal There is quite a selection of rusting metal on the rocks here, presumably the remains of a ship that had come to grief. These large chunks haven't moved since <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2956451">NJ7564 : Rusting Remains</a> was taken ten years ago.
Rusting Metal
There is quite a selection of rusting metal on the rocks here, presumably the remains of a ship that had come to grief. These large chunks haven't moved since NJ7564 : Rusting Remains was taken ten years ago.
Winding Gear The steel hawsers are rusted almost solid. I have yet to find out which ship it was that was wrecked here.
Winding Gear
The steel hawsers are rusted almost solid. I have yet to find out which ship it was that was wrecked here.
Rusting Engine Block The engine has eight cylinders. I have not discovered the name of the vessel.
Rusting Engine Block
The engine has eight cylinders. I have not discovered the name of the vessel.
Cross-cutting Veins It's easy to see that the vein from right to left cuts across the more vertical one, so it's not difficult to work out which vein was there first.
Cross-cutting Veins
It's easy to see that the vein from right to left cuts across the more vertical one, so it's not difficult to work out which vein was there first.
Oyster Plant (Mertensia maritima) This is an uncommon plant, and it is close to the southern edge of its range here. The name is said to be because it tastes like oysters.
Oyster Plant (Mertensia maritima)
This is an uncommon plant, and it is close to the southern edge of its range here. The name is said to be because it tastes like oysters.
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Black Craig is located at Grid Ref: NJ7764 (Lat: 57.670177, Lng: -2.3843071)

Unitary Authority: Aberdeenshire

Police Authority: North East

What 3 Words

///noun.oven.anthems. Near Macduff, Aberdeenshire

Nearby Locations

Black Craig Skate Rock Hole of Whitecraig Three Stones

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