The Needles

Island in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

The Needles

View of the coast from New Aberdour View of the coast from New Aberdour from the further point we could go that day — View of the coast from New Aberdour Credit: eric ramaz

The Needles, located off the coast of Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is a small group of uninhabited islands. Situated in the North Sea, these islands are part of the dramatic coastal landscape of the area. The Needles are known for their towering sea stacks, which have been formed by the relentless erosion of the surrounding cliffs over centuries.

The largest of the islands, appropriately named The Needle, stands at an impressive 65 meters high. This towering landmark is a popular destination for birdwatchers, as it is home to a variety of seabirds including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. The surrounding waters are also rich in marine life, making it a haven for seals and dolphins.

Accessible only by boat, The Needles provide a unique and untouched natural environment for visitors to explore. The islands offer breathtaking views of the Aberdeenshire coastline and the opportunity to observe the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area. The rugged terrain and crashing waves add to the wild and untamed atmosphere of the islands.

While there are no facilities or accommodations on The Needles, nearby coastal towns such as Fraserburgh and Peterhead provide a range of options for those wishing to visit. Boat tours and excursions are available from these towns, allowing visitors to experience the magnificent beauty of The Needles up close. Whether for birdwatching, photography, or simply to enjoy the tranquility of the remote Scottish islands, The Needles in Aberdeenshire offers a unique and unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts.

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The Needles Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.672855/-2.184281 or Grid Reference NJ8964. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

View of the coast from New Aberdour

View of the coast from New Aberdour from the further point we could go that day

eric ramaz

Quarry and Willie's Havens and Cat's Hole caves

Quarry Haven is the near bay; Willie's Haven is the far one. There are two sea-caves at the bottom of the cliff on the far side of Willie's Haven. They are Cat's Hole North and South. Each has a chimney running up inside and parallel to the cliff face and each has a funnel shaped depression in the otherwise rather flat surface of the cliff top. These overlap. The depression has been used as a tip for building and other waste which may have blocked the south chimney, but the north one is still open.

Nigel Feilden

Cat's Hole North Cave

An intertidal sea-cave which has a chimney at the back which goes up to the surface of the top of the cliff above. Light from above could just be seen by eye, but has not made it into this photo. See the cave in context NJ9065 : Quarry and Willie's Havens and Cat's Hole caves.

Nigel Feilden

Cat's Hole South Cave

An intertidal sea-cave which has (or had) a chimney going up parallel to the cliff face to open into a depression in the flat cliff top. The top of the chimney has been partially, or perhaps totally blocked by building and other waste having been tipped into the depression. This cave can be seen in context in NJ9065 : Quarry and Willie's Havens and Cat's Hole caves.

Nigel Feilden

Blowhole/Gloup at the top of Cat's Hole North Cave

The triangular dark area is the open top of a natural chimney which extends down to the sea-cave below NJ9065 : Cat's Hole North Cave. Evidence of this was the sound of doves cooing somewhere below. Also dim light was seen from above when photographing said cave. It can be described as a blowhole. The down angle for this photo was about 30 degrees. Stones and other waste have been tipped from the west side, but this is partly grassed over.

Nigel Feilden

Blowhole/Gloup at the top of Cat's Hole South Cave

The view from a bit west of the blowhole from the north cave NJ9065 : Blowhole/Gloup at the top of Cat's Hole North Cave towards what was the blowhole from the south cave NJ9065 : Cat's Hole South Cave. It is possible to see something of the narrow part of the south blowhole by clambering down the trash pile. It is unclear whether or not it is fully blocked further down.

Nigel Feilden

Caves at Aberdour beach

From the top of the cliff looking down towards the beach and caves

Ralph Greig

Beach Rainbow

Ralph Greig

Farm buildings at Egypt. Where??

I wonder how the name was derived.

Des Colhoun

Lane to Egypt Farm.

Des Colhoun

Lochhills Farmhouse

Ken Fitlike

Egypt

The camel on the farm sign would have caught my eye, even if the name on the map had not. It lies on top of the cliffs, with a fine view along the coast.

Anne Burgess

Sheep on Quarry Head

I'm not accustomed to sheep which, instead of running away as I approach, obligingly stand and pose for the camera! Note the half-eaten bale of hay. The white building is Ministry of Defence property.

Anne Burgess

Helipad on Quarry Head

The map marks the sea here as a danger area. This is because it is used for target practice by the Royal Air Force. Presumably the helipad in this remote spot, and the military building in the background, have something to do with that.

Anne Burgess

Quarry Head

This is almost all the land there is in this square. The headland is formed of dipping layers of rock, which unfortunately dip to the east so were in the shade in the later afternoon.

Anne Burgess