Black Stones

Island in Banffshire

Scotland

Black Stones

Looking down on Crovie The area at the bottom is the only part of the village that can be reached by motor vehicles and is reserved for local residents' use. This is the view from the public car park higher up the cliff. A feature of the village is that every single building bar one is Listed. (The local pronunciation is – more or less – Crivvy)
Looking down on Crovie Credit: Alan Murray-Rust

Black Stones is a small island located off the coast of Banffshire, Scotland. It is situated in the North Sea, approximately 2 miles east of Whitehills village. The island spans an area of around 3 acres and is known for its unique and distinct features.

The island gets its name from the black rock formations that dominate its landscape. These rocks, made of basalt, were formed millions of years ago from volcanic activity. They create a striking contrast against the surrounding blue sea and green vegetation. The island is also home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes, which nest on the cliffs and rocks.

Access to Black Stones is limited, as it is only accessible by boat during low tide. The island has no permanent human population, but it is occasionally visited by tourists and researchers interested in its geology and wildlife. Due to its unique geological formations, Black Stones is recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is protected by conservation regulations.

The island offers breathtaking views of the Banffshire coastline and is a popular spot for birdwatching and photography. Visitors can explore the rugged cliffs and observe the diverse marine life in the surrounding waters. However, caution must be exercised while visiting, as the terrain can be treacherous and the weather conditions unpredictable.

In conclusion, Black Stones is a small but captivating island off the coast of Banffshire, renowned for its black rock formations, diverse birdlife, and stunning coastal scenery.

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Black Stones Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.678505/-2.3297669 or Grid Reference NJ8065. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Looking down on Crovie The area at the bottom is the only part of the village that can be reached by motor vehicles and is reserved for local residents' use. This is the view from the public car park higher up the cliff. A feature of the village is that every single building bar one is Listed. (The local pronunciation is – more or less – Crivvy)
Looking down on Crovie
The area at the bottom is the only part of the village that can be reached by motor vehicles and is reserved for local residents' use. This is the view from the public car park higher up the cliff. A feature of the village is that every single building bar one is Listed. (The local pronunciation is – more or less – Crivvy)
Northfield Farm, Gamrie parish The tower is the stump of an early 19th century windmill, Listed Category B. The Listing states that it is reputed to contain the remains of a 12th century church.
Northfield Farm, Gamrie parish
The tower is the stump of an early 19th century windmill, Listed Category B. The Listing states that it is reputed to contain the remains of a 12th century church.
A general view of Crovie The Conservation Area Appraisal <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://tinyurl.com/yckhccvz" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://tinyurl.com/yckhccvz">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> states that the village first became established in the early 18th century, either as a result of the clearances or simply as a new fishing village, although it is unclear which. Expansion came from 1718 when a government fishing bounty was introduced. By 1820 9 drifters and 28 smaller boats were in operation.

The photo shows the difficulties that must have arisen from rocky foreshore exposed at low tide, with only a small area of shingle beach for beaching boats. The jetty was not built until 1883 to afford some protection as well as easier landing of catch at lower tides. At this stage there were some 60 vessels of varying sizes! The Great Storm of 1953 caused severe damage with breaches of the sea wall and major damage to buildings, to the extent that in 1958 there was a Government order to abandon the village. Local opposition to this ensured its survival, although today many of the buildings are owned as holiday homes.
A general view of Crovie
The Conservation Area Appraisal LinkExternal link states that the village first became established in the early 18th century, either as a result of the clearances or simply as a new fishing village, although it is unclear which. Expansion came from 1718 when a government fishing bounty was introduced. By 1820 9 drifters and 28 smaller boats were in operation. The photo shows the difficulties that must have arisen from rocky foreshore exposed at low tide, with only a small area of shingle beach for beaching boats. The jetty was not built until 1883 to afford some protection as well as easier landing of catch at lower tides. At this stage there were some 60 vessels of varying sizes! The Great Storm of 1953 caused severe damage with breaches of the sea wall and major damage to buildings, to the extent that in 1958 there was a Government order to abandon the village. Local opposition to this ensured its survival, although today many of the buildings are owned as holiday homes.
Old milestone On the B9032 between Fraserburgh and Banff is this milestone on the north side of the road.   It is 13 miles from Fraserburgh by the old route.  In the distance are the houses at Protstonhill.   A benchmark is near the base at the front and faint parts of 13 are on the bevel.  Prior to the early 1970s this area was in Banffshire.
Old milestone
On the B9032 between Fraserburgh and Banff is this milestone on the north side of the road. It is 13 miles from Fraserburgh by the old route. In the distance are the houses at Protstonhill. A benchmark is near the base at the front and faint parts of 13 are on the bevel. Prior to the early 1970s this area was in Banffshire.
Crovie, Aberdeenshire Taken from Crovie Viewpoint, south of the town at around 60m AOD
Crovie, Aberdeenshire
Taken from Crovie Viewpoint, south of the town at around 60m AOD
Crovie A view across Gamrie Bay towards the fishing village of Crovie
Crovie
A view across Gamrie Bay towards the fishing village of Crovie
Hanging out the washing Crovie village Centre with post box, phone box and the washing
Hanging out the washing
Crovie village Centre with post box, phone box and the washing
The Fishing village of Crovie
The Fishing village of Crovie
St John's Church A telephoto zoom shot of the remains of the church, surrounded by the churchyard, on the cliff opposite Gardenstown Harbour.
St John's Church
A telephoto zoom shot of the remains of the church, surrounded by the churchyard, on the cliff opposite Gardenstown Harbour.
Craigandargity, off Gardenstown Rocks in Gamrie Bay. There were cormorants visible on the rocks.
Craigandargity, off Gardenstown
Rocks in Gamrie Bay. There were cormorants visible on the rocks.
Gardenstown and harbour A view of the village from the harbour wall.
Gardenstown and harbour
A view of the village from the harbour wall.
Gardenstown village Attractive though this is, I can see that there would be some disadvantages about living here. Fancy returning home late at night and finding someone coming the other way. One or both of you might end up in the sea!
Gardenstown village
Attractive though this is, I can see that there would be some disadvantages about living here. Fancy returning home late at night and finding someone coming the other way. One or both of you might end up in the sea!
Gardenstown harbour, Aberdeenshire
Gardenstown harbour, Aberdeenshire
St John's Church This is the interior of the old parish kirk of Gamrie, which was founded in 1004. The present fabric dates mainly from the 16th century, but has become ruinous since the new parish kirk was built in 1829-1830.
St John's Church
This is the interior of the old parish kirk of Gamrie, which was founded in 1004. The present fabric dates mainly from the 16th century, but has become ruinous since the new parish kirk was built in 1829-1830.
Gardenstown and its Harbour Looking south-westward.
Gardenstown and its Harbour
Looking south-westward.
Gardenstown Gardenstown village.
Gardenstown
Gardenstown village.
Gardenstown Harbour
Gardenstown Harbour
Gardenstown Harbour
Gardenstown Harbour
Show me another place!

Black Stones is located at Grid Ref: NJ8065 (Lat: 57.678505, Lng: -2.3297669)

Unitary Authority: Aberdeenshire

Police Authority: North East

What 3 Words

///pace.points.sniff. Near Macduff, Aberdeenshire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 57.678505,-2.3297669
Source: Old Landsat image trace
Lat/Long: 57.6747136/-2.3322395
Source: Old Landsat image trace
Lat/Long: 57.6760071/-2.327629
Source: Old Landsat image trace
Lat/Long: 57.6766459/-2.3260449
Source: Old Landsat image trace
Lat/Long: 57.675542/-2.329852
Source: Old Landsat image trace
Lat/Long: 57.6789425/-2.3244091
Source: Old Landsat image trace
Lat/Long: 57.679563/-2.3243962
Source: Old Landsat image trace
Lat/Long: 57.6812312/-2.3248945
Source: Old Landsat image trace
Lat/Long: 57.6779628/-2.3249361
Source: Old Landsat image trace
Lat/Long: 57.676271/-2.3267161
Source: Old Landsat image trace
Lat/Long: 57.6771062/-2.325568
Source: Old Landsat image trace
Lat/Long: 57.6757489/-2.3287277
Source: Old Landsat image trace
Lat/Long: 57.6755358/-2.3311052
Source: Old Landsat image trace
Lat/Long: 57.6794217/-2.3242859
Source: Old Landsat image trace
Lat/Long: 57.6785665/-2.3245819
Source: Old Landsat image trace
Lat/Long: 57.680688/-2.3245918
Crovie
Name Sco: Crui'e
Place: village
Wikidata: Q5189054
Wikipedia: en:Crovie
Lat/Long: 57.6789672/-2.3240553
Crovie viewpoint
Tourism: viewpoint
Lat/Long: 57.6761646/-2.3254607
Bench
Backrest: no
Lat/Long: 57.6747606/-2.3299257
Bench
Backrest: no
Lat/Long: 57.6745768/-2.3277424
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.6759048/-2.323077
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.6764411/-2.3228845
Material: wood
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.6784709/-2.3240402
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.6779231/-2.323766
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.6780787/-2.323369
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.6778966/-2.3235963
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.6774771/-2.3232114
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.6769601/-2.3230639
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.6768991/-2.3222941
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.6782603/-2.3234327
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.6788548/-2.3236323
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.6790509/-2.3236556
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.6792904/-2.3235047
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.6799681/-2.3236718
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.6805241/-2.3238505
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.6810987/-2.3244123
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.6772897/-2.3218008
Telephone
Booth: K6
Covered: booth
Listed Status: Category B
Lat/Long: 57.6793026/-2.3238467
Bench
Backrest: yes
Lat/Long: 57.6761294/-2.326827
Bench
Lat/Long: 57.6761735/-2.3266896
SS Vigilant Memorial
Historic: memorial
Image: https://c7.alamy.com/comp/M4PYW7/monument-from-boilerhead-of-ss-vigilant-commemorating-bravery-of-crovie-M4PYW7.jpg
Memorial: sculpture
Url: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/elphinstone/bbaf/category/18/424
Lat/Long: 57.6761634/-2.3267345
Covered: no
Leisure: picnic_table
Lat/Long: 57.6760114/-2.3251775
Post Box
Collection Times: Mo-Fr 12:00; Sa 12:00
Operator: Royal Mail
Operator Wikidata: Q638098
Post Box Type: lamp
Ref: AB45 48
Royal Cypher: scottish_crown
Lat/Long: 57.6792749/-2.3241479
Bench
Backrest: yes
Lat/Long: 57.679272/-2.3242158
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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