Craigmaroinn

Island in Kincardineshire

Scotland

Craigmaroinn

Quiet, but wide residential street Photographer is standing near the street edge — Quiet, but wide residential street Credit: C Michael Hogan

Craigmaroinn is a small island located off the coast of Kincardineshire in Scotland. It is situated in the North Sea, approximately 3 miles southeast of the town of Stonehaven. The island covers an area of around 50 acres and is characterized by its rugged coastline, rocky cliffs, and diverse wildlife.

The name "Craigmaroinn" is Gaelic in origin, meaning "rock of the seals." This is fitting, as the island is home to a colony of grey seals that can often be spotted lounging on the rocky shores. The surrounding waters are also abundant with marine life, making it a popular spot for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.

The island boasts stunning natural beauty, with its steep cliffs providing breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and nearby mainland. It is a haven for birdwatchers, as various seabirds including puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes can be observed nesting along the cliff faces.

Despite its small size, Craigmaroinn has a rich history. There are remnants of an ancient chapel on the island, believed to date back to the 12th century. It is said to have been a place of worship for the local fishing community. Today, the island is uninhabited, but it attracts visitors who appreciate its peaceful and untouched atmosphere.

Access to Craigmaroinn is limited, as there are no regular ferry services. However, it is possible to access the island by private boat or join guided tours that are occasionally organized. Visitors are advised to be aware of the tides and weather conditions before planning a trip to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on this hidden gem of Kincardineshire.

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Craigmaroinn Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.054043/-2.1084694 or Grid Reference NO9395. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Quiet, but wide residential street

Photographer is standing near the street edge

C Michael Hogan

Looking towards Cammachmore Bay

Photographer is standing at the verge of the minor paved road.

C Michael Hogan

Coastal scene at England farm

A wisp of the North Sea is visible at image upper right. This locale is only accessible on an unpaved farm road; hence the 4x4 vehicle is desirable.

C Michael Hogan

Coastal view towards Downies

Access to this point only via unpaved farm track.

C Michael Hogan

Residential lane in Old Portlethen

Photographer is standing at the edge of the paved lane.

C Michael Hogan

Coastal access limited by residential uses

Since there is no parking and no signage present, the coastal visitor here in Old Portlethen is in a quandary as to how best to achieve access to the beautiful rugged coastline that lies beyond. Most significantly, the planning decisions that led up to the present land use configuration, are confusing to say the least, with a curtain wall of single family residences effectively occupying most of the potential coastal access from the village.

C Michael Hogan

Portlethen Railway Station

View from an overbridge, looking northwards. This has been the site of a station for a long time, since well before the building of a small town at Portlethen and it used to serve Portlethen Village on the coast.

Richard Webb

Railway bridge, Portlethen

A massive bridge on a long embankment. The railway crosses Thistle Drive and route 1 of the National Cycle Network.

Richard Webb

Reemit Hill

Grass fields outside Findon. The dyke conceals a minor road.

Richard Webb

Railway, Portlethen

Looking southwards on the railway serving Aberdeen.

Richard Webb

Jubilee Hall

The hall was originally a drill hall.

Anne Burgess

Portlethen railway station, Aberdeenshire

Opened in 1850 by the Aberdeen Railway on what is today the line from Dundee to Aberdeen, this station closed to passengers in 1956 and completely in 1963. View north towards Cove Bay and Aberdeen. The 1850 station platforms were mostly on the far side of where the footbridge now is.

Nigel Thompson

Platform 2 Portlethen Rail Station

Douglas Nelson

Portlethen Station

As others have noted, opened 1850, closed 1956 when the Aberdeen suburban services were abandoned and reopened in 1985. Facilities are minimal, with bus shelters and a ticket machine.

Bill Harrison

Portlethen parish kirk

The Buildings of Scotland (Pevsner) Guide is not impressed with the 1840 structure: "a meagre Gothic box with bellcote". It just scrapes a C-listing (LB2874): Link