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Black Rock

Island in Berwickshire

Scotland

Black Rock

Looking down from Brander Heugh towards Lumsdaine Shore
Looking down from Brander Heugh towards Lumsdaine Shore Credit: Rob Wallace

Black Rock is a small island located off the coast of Berwickshire in southeastern Scotland. Situated approximately 1.5 kilometers from the mainland, it lies within the North Sea. The island is roughly 400 meters long and 200 meters wide, with an overall area of about 3 hectares.

Black Rock is characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain, with steep cliffs rising from the surrounding sea. The island is devoid of vegetation, primarily consisting of bare rock surfaces. Its exposed location makes it vulnerable to harsh weather conditions and strong currents.

The island is home to a diverse range of seabird species, including gulls, guillemots, and cormorants. These birds are attracted to the island's cliffs, which provide ideal nesting sites. The surrounding waters are also known to support a variety of marine life, including seals and dolphins.

Black Rock has historical significance, with evidence of human presence dating back to the Neolithic period. It is believed that the island was used as a lookout point and defensive position due to its strategic location. Today, the island is uninhabited and inaccessible to the public, serving as a protected nature reserve.

The island's isolation and natural beauty make it a popular spot for birdwatching and wildlife enthusiasts. It can be observed from the mainland, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into the area's rich natural heritage.

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Black Rock Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.917156/-2.1722869 or Grid Reference NT8969. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Looking down from Brander Heugh towards Lumsdaine Shore
Looking down from Brander Heugh towards Lumsdaine Shore
A snoozing grey seal pup at Lumsdaine Shore The seal was photographed with a telephoto lens from the hillside above the shore. Most of the grey seal pups were wiped out last year by Storm Arwen, but they were back to normal numbers this year.
A snoozing grey seal pup at Lumsdaine Shore
The seal was photographed with a telephoto lens from the hillside above the shore. Most of the grey seal pups were wiped out last year by Storm Arwen, but they were back to normal numbers this year.
Lumsdaine Shore A gap in the wave cut platform allows access to the beach from the sea. A path runs up steep slopes from here.
Lumsdaine Shore
A gap in the wave cut platform allows access to the beach from the sea. A path runs up steep slopes from here.
Path to Lumsdaine Shore A path and more recently built track descend steep slopes to the shoreline.
Path to Lumsdaine Shore
A path and more recently built track descend steep slopes to the shoreline.
Grey seals and pups at Lumsdaine Shore This telephoto shot was taken from the slopes above the beach. Grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) return to the North Sea coastline to give birth to pups in November. The UK has approximately 40% of the global population of grey seals and about 90% live off Scotland.
Grey seals and pups at Lumsdaine Shore
This telephoto shot was taken from the slopes above the beach. Grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) return to the North Sea coastline to give birth to pups in November. The UK has approximately 40% of the global population of grey seals and about 90% live off Scotland.
A grey seal and pup at Lumsdaine Shore This was taken at a safe distance with a telephoto lens. Grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) return to the North Sea coastline to give birth to pups in November. The UK has approximately 40% of the global population of grey seals and about 90% live off Scotland.
A grey seal and pup at Lumsdaine Shore
This was taken at a safe distance with a telephoto lens. Grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) return to the North Sea coastline to give birth to pups in November. The UK has approximately 40% of the global population of grey seals and about 90% live off Scotland.
A grey seal and pup at Lumsdaine Shore This was taken at a safe distance above the shore with a telephoto lens.
A grey seal and pup at Lumsdaine Shore
This was taken at a safe distance above the shore with a telephoto lens.
A snoozing grey seal at Lumsdaine Shore This seal was well camouflaged in the rocks at Lumsdaine. The photo was taken with a long telephoto lens from the hillside above the shore.
A snoozing grey seal at Lumsdaine Shore
This seal was well camouflaged in the rocks at Lumsdaine. The photo was taken with a long telephoto lens from the hillside above the shore.
A grey seal pup at Lumsdaine Shore The grey seal pupping season is in full swing in November. I used a telephoto lens with an extender to take this photograph from the hillside above the shore and the large number of seals and pups were unaware I was watching them.
A grey seal pup at Lumsdaine Shore
The grey seal pupping season is in full swing in November. I used a telephoto lens with an extender to take this photograph from the hillside above the shore and the large number of seals and pups were unaware I was watching them.
Grey seal pups at Lumsdaine Shore The Grey or Atlantic seal (Halichoerus grypus) pupping season in Scotland usually starts in mid-late October though to December. A Grey seal pup will feed on the fat-rich milk from its mother for about 18-21 days, and then the female adult will abandon the pup and mate again. The pup will stay around for a further 3-4 weeks when it will moult its fluffy white coat for a grey waterproof coat. This photo was taken with a telephoto lens and extender from the hillside above the shore, and the seals were unaware of my presence and no disturbance was caused.
Grey seal pups at Lumsdaine Shore
The Grey or Atlantic seal (Halichoerus grypus) pupping season in Scotland usually starts in mid-late October though to December. A Grey seal pup will feed on the fat-rich milk from its mother for about 18-21 days, and then the female adult will abandon the pup and mate again. The pup will stay around for a further 3-4 weeks when it will moult its fluffy white coat for a grey waterproof coat. This photo was taken with a telephoto lens and extender from the hillside above the shore, and the seals were unaware of my presence and no disturbance was caused.
A grey seal and pup at Lumsdaine Shore The Grey or Atlantic seal (Halichoerus grypus) pupping season in Scotland usually starts in mid-late October though to December. A Grey seal pup will feed on the fat-rich milk from its mother for about 18-21 days, and then the female adult will abandon the pup and mate again. The pup will stay around for a further 3-4 weeks when it will moult its fluffy white coat for a grey waterproof coat. This photo was taken with a telephoto lens and extender from the hillside above the shore, and the seals were unaware of my presence and no disturbance was caused.
A grey seal and pup at Lumsdaine Shore
The Grey or Atlantic seal (Halichoerus grypus) pupping season in Scotland usually starts in mid-late October though to December. A Grey seal pup will feed on the fat-rich milk from its mother for about 18-21 days, and then the female adult will abandon the pup and mate again. The pup will stay around for a further 3-4 weeks when it will moult its fluffy white coat for a grey waterproof coat. This photo was taken with a telephoto lens and extender from the hillside above the shore, and the seals were unaware of my presence and no disturbance was caused.
A grey seal and pup at Lumsdaine Shore The Grey or Atlantic seal (Halichoerus grypus) pupping season in Scotland usually starts in mid-late October though to December. A Grey seal pup will feed on the fat-rich milk from its mother for about 18-21 days, and then the female adult will abandon the pup and mate again. The pup will stay around for a further 3-4 weeks when it will moult its fluffy white coat for a grey waterproof coat. This photo was taken with a telephoto lens and extender from the hillside above the shore, and the seals were unaware of my presence and no disturbance was caused.
A grey seal and pup at Lumsdaine Shore
The Grey or Atlantic seal (Halichoerus grypus) pupping season in Scotland usually starts in mid-late October though to December. A Grey seal pup will feed on the fat-rich milk from its mother for about 18-21 days, and then the female adult will abandon the pup and mate again. The pup will stay around for a further 3-4 weeks when it will moult its fluffy white coat for a grey waterproof coat. This photo was taken with a telephoto lens and extender from the hillside above the shore, and the seals were unaware of my presence and no disturbance was caused.
A grey seal and pup at Lumsdaine Shore The Grey or Atlantic seal (Halichoerus grypus) pupping season in Scotland usually starts in mid-late October though to December. A Grey seal pup will feed on the fat-rich milk from its mother for about 18-21 days, and then the female adult will abandon the pup and mate again. The pup will stay around for a further 3-4 weeks when it will moult its fluffy white coat for a grey waterproof coat. This photo was taken with a telephoto lens and extender from the hillside above the shore, and the seals were unaware of my presence and no disturbance was caused.
A grey seal and pup at Lumsdaine Shore
The Grey or Atlantic seal (Halichoerus grypus) pupping season in Scotland usually starts in mid-late October though to December. A Grey seal pup will feed on the fat-rich milk from its mother for about 18-21 days, and then the female adult will abandon the pup and mate again. The pup will stay around for a further 3-4 weeks when it will moult its fluffy white coat for a grey waterproof coat. This photo was taken with a telephoto lens and extender from the hillside above the shore, and the seals were unaware of my presence and no disturbance was caused.
Coldingham Loch
Coldingham Loch
Exposed rock strata, Lumsdaine A small hill, bisected by a dry stone wall, has been mined for rock and gravel to reveal the underlying strata.
Exposed rock strata, Lumsdaine
A small hill, bisected by a dry stone wall, has been mined for rock and gravel to reveal the underlying strata.
Westerside The farm at the end of the single-track road from Coldingham
Westerside
The farm at the end of the single-track road from Coldingham
Rocks below Step Heugh Fine strata in these coastal rocks make them look like gigantic sliced loaves cast into the sea.
Rocks below Step Heugh
Fine strata in these coastal rocks make them look like gigantic sliced loaves cast into the sea.
Waterfall, Heathery Carr The final leap of the Waterside Dean burn. Looking WNW from Tun Law
Waterfall, Heathery Carr
The final leap of the Waterside Dean burn. Looking WNW from Tun Law
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Black Rock is located at Grid Ref: NT8969 (Lat: 55.917156, Lng: -2.1722869)

Unitary Authority: The Scottish Borders

Police Authority: The Lothians and Scottish Borders

What 3 Words

///coiling.caressed.segments. Near Eyemouth, Scottish Borders

Nearby Locations

Biter's Beach Heathery Carr Green Skeers Uilystrand Brae Whitestone Heugh Pikie's Rock

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 55.917156,-2.1722869
Barrier: kissing_gate
Lat/Long: 55.9135892/-2.1679022
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Barrier: kissing_gate
Lat/Long: 55.9146092/-2.1771872
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Barrier: kissing_gate
Lat/Long: 55.9164603/-2.1792505
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Barrier: stile
Foot: yes
Stile: stepover
Lat/Long: 55.9162898/-2.1791482
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Waterway: waterfall
Lat/Long: 55.9170556/-2.1777441
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
The Needles Aberdeenshire
The Ship Kincardineshire

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