Black Chest

Island in Banffshire

Scotland

Black Chest

Castle Point and Pennan from Lion's Head Credit: Alan Reid

Black Chest is a small island located off the coast of Banffshire, Scotland. Situated in the Moray Firth, it is part of the Inner Moray Firth Special Area of Conservation, renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning coastal landscapes.

Covering an area of approximately 2 square kilometers, Black Chest is characterized by its rugged terrain, consisting of rocky cliffs, heather-covered moorland, and small pockets of woodland. The island's coastline is dotted with secluded sandy beaches and hidden coves, providing a haven for various bird species and marine life.

The island's name, Black Chest, is derived from the distinctive black rock formations that can be found along its shores. These unique geological features are a result of volcanic activity that occurred millions of years ago.

Due to its remote location and limited accessibility, Black Chest remains largely uninhabited, enhancing its untouched and pristine environment. However, it has become a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers seeking solitude and a chance to explore the island's natural wonders.

Visitors to Black Chest can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including birdwatching, nature walking, and photography. The island is home to a variety of bird species, such as puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, making it a haven for ornithologists. Seals and dolphins can also be spotted in the surrounding waters.

In conclusion, Black Chest is a picturesque and unspoiled island in Banffshire, Scotland, known for its dramatic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and peaceful ambiance. It offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and experience the tranquility of a remote Scottish island.

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Black Chest Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.693495/-2.2900137 or Grid Reference NJ8267. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Castle Point and Pennan from Lion's Head

Alan Reid

Cullykhan Bay

Pennan Head beyond.

Alan Reid

Wheatear on Whins

There were several of these perching on the fence posts and whins. Strictly speaking they are Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe), and the Oxford English Dictionary confirms that name was originally derived from 'white arse' from the conspicuous white rump that is seen when the bird is in flight. However the OED does not confirm the story that the name was bowdlerised by prudish Victorians; as early as 1653 one J Taylor noted that "The name of Wheat ears, on them is ycleap'd, Because they come when wheat is yearly reap'd."

Anne Burgess

Yellowhammer (Emberiza citronella)

Quite a common bird of fields and rough ground, sometimes also venturing into gardens. Its song is very distinctive, said to sound like 'A little bit of bread and no CHEESE'.

Anne Burgess

St Mark's Fly (Bibio marci)?

Apparently they tend to emerge around 25 April, which is St Mark's Day. There were large numbers of them, all clinging to grass and other vegetation, perhaps because it was too cold for them to be flying. Thanks to Richard Sutcliffe for confirming the ID and telling me that's it's a male because it has large eyes.

Anne Burgess

Sea Camption (Silene uniflora)

One of many clumps of Sea Camption on the top of the cliffs.

Anne Burgess

Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus)

Formerly known as Sula bassana, the Solan Goose. Taken with a zoom lens from far enough away not to disturb the bird.

Anne Burgess

Nesting Gannets

Gannets first nested at Troup Head in 1988, and since then the colony has grown to over 2000 pairs. I note with interest that the RSPB no longer says it is the only mainland Gannet colony in Scotland - it is now, it seems, the largest Gannet colony in Scotland.

Anne Burgess

Gannet Wars

We watched for several minutes while the two upper Gannets squabbled, pecking at one another and occasionally locking beaks in a tussle, presumably over whose nest site this is. The third bird looked on but took no part in the action.

Anne Burgess

Nesting gannet, Troup Head

The nature of the cliff top means that it is possible to get remarkably close to the birds without either putting oneself in danger or upsetting the birds.

Alan Murray-Rust

Portrait of a gannet, Troup Head

The nature of the cliff top means that it is possible to get remarkably close to the birds without either putting oneself in danger or upsetting the birds.

Alan Murray-Rust

Ravels Den

A deep-cut dene leading down to Downie Bay, probably the result of meltwater erosion at the end of the Ice Age.

Alan Murray-Rust

Wheatears on a fence

Alongside the footpath to Troup Head.

Alan Murray-Rust

Wheatears on whin

Alongside the footpath to Troup Head. (I would call this gorse, but whin is the native word!)

Alan Murray-Rust

Landslip in Ravels Den

A deep-cut dene leading down to Downie Bay, probably the result of meltwater erosion at the end of the Ice Age. The slip shows the friable rock forming the upper stratum at this point.

Alan Murray-Rust