Dirten Craig

Island in Kincardineshire

Scotland

Dirten Craig

Doonie Point A geo, possibly a collapsed cave, at Doonies Point. Notice that the rock strata are still lying more or less horizontal here. — Doonie Point Credit: Anne Burgess

Dirten Craig is a small island located off the coast of Kincardineshire, Scotland. It is situated in the North Sea, approximately 2 miles east of the town of Stonehaven. The island is known for its rugged and dramatic cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding waters.

Covering an area of around 1.5 hectares, Dirten Craig is predominantly composed of rocky terrain, with sparse vegetation and no permanent human habitation. The island is accessible by boat, but it is not suitable for landing due to the steep cliffs that encircle it.

Dirten Craig is renowned for its rich wildlife, serving as an important breeding ground for various seabird species such as puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. The surrounding waters also support a diverse marine ecosystem, attracting seals and dolphins.

The island's geological features are of great interest to geologists and nature enthusiasts. It is predominantly composed of Old Red Sandstone, a sedimentary rock formation that dates back millions of years. The layers of rock reveal the island's ancient history, offering insights into the region's geological evolution.

Despite its small size, Dirten Craig holds a significant place in local folklore and history. It has been referenced in various tales and legends, often associated with mythical creatures and hidden treasures. Its secluded location and mesmerizing beauty make it a popular destination for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature lovers seeking a unique and remote experience.

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Dirten Craig Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.993197/-2.1744696 or Grid Reference NO8989. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Doonie Point

A geo, possibly a collapsed cave, at Doonies Point. Notice that the rock strata are still lying more or less horizontal here.

Anne Burgess

Folded Rock

Compare this with NO9090 : Doonie Point, just a few tens of metres away, and note that these strata have been dramatically folded so that some of them are now vertical.

Anne Burgess

Tank Traps?

These really puzzled us. On several narrow cols between the main cliffs and outlying blocks there are clusters of three concrete blocks exactly like tank traps. We couldn't image how a tank could possibly manage to get up the steep narrow paths to one of these cols, so why the need for the concrete block?

Anne Burgess

Doonies Point

A 'panoramic' view of the cliffs at Doonies Point.

Anne Burgess

Tilly Tenant

Tilly Tenant is a stack, approx 30m tall. Viewed from Hall Bay with folded rocks in the foreground.

Peter Robinson

Coastal cliffs near Bridge of Muchalls

Alan Reid

Bungalow at Hillhead of Cowie, near Bridge of Muchalls

Mike Pennington

A92 towards Bridge of Muchalls,

The A92 is a major highway that runs for 89 miles through Fife, Dundee, Angus, Aberdeenshire, and Aberdeen City in Scotland. From south to north, it runs from Dunfermline to Blackdog, just north of Aberdeen.

David Dixon

Cows Grazing near Bridge of Muchalls

David Dixon

Farmland leading to cliffs at Easter Muchalls

David Robinson

Cliffs at Castle Rock of Muchalls

David Robinson

A Blink of Light

A brief sunbeam has escaped the clouds and illuminated the fields at Easter Muchalls.

Anne Burgess

Doonie Point viewed from cliff edge

This formation located somewhat north of the Highland Boundary Fault is characteristic of the massive rock forms which lie to the north of that fault.

C Michael Hogan

Folded Rocks

These rocks here, exposed on the north side of a stack, show evidence of two phases of folding. The shape of the parasitic folds on the flanks of the larger folds tell experts that there is a major antiform to the south of here. This is the Highland Downbend. Trio of geologists for scale.

Anne Burgess

Natural Arch near Doonie Point

This arch has been eroded out where the rocks were less resistant, offering a somewhat constricted view to seaward from a gully through the cliff south of Doonie Point.

Anne Burgess

A Geological Field Trip

A party of geologists examines folds in the cliff near Doonie Point.

Anne Burgess

Parasitic Z-shaped Folds

These are some of the folds being examined by NO9090 : A Geological Field Trip. The asymmetrical shape of these tiny folds - the coin is a 5p for scale - tells an expert that there is an antiform to the left. See Link

for an attempt to explain this diagrammatically!