Black Stones

Island in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Black Stones

Heavy seas at Scotstown Head Another failed attempt to get this rock as a Geograph. This time justified by the heavy sea, and although I was there around low tide, the waves were just too big to risk the last 10 metres east that I needed to go. — Heavy seas at Scotstown Head Credit: Peter Aikman

Black Stones is a small island located off the coast of Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It is situated in the North Sea, around 15 miles east of the mainland. The island is known for its rugged and rocky terrain, with steep cliffs and jagged rock formations that give it a dramatic and picturesque appearance.

With an area of approximately 0.25 square miles, Black Stones is relatively small in size. It is uninhabited and lacks any permanent structures or facilities. The island is primarily composed of granite, which has eroded over time to form unique shapes and patterns. This geological feature attracts nature enthusiasts and photographers who are drawn to the island's striking beauty.

Black Stones is also home to a diverse range of wildlife. Seabirds such as puffins, guillemots, and razorbills can be found nesting on the cliffs, while seals can often be seen basking on the rocky shores. The surrounding waters are rich in marine life, making it a popular spot for fishing and diving.

Access to Black Stones is limited and dependent on weather conditions, as the island is only accessible by boat. Visitors must take caution when exploring the island, as its rugged terrain can be challenging to navigate. However, for those seeking a unique and untouched natural experience, Black Stones offers a secluded and awe-inspiring destination.

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Black Stones Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.54371/-1.7997715 or Grid Reference NK1250. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Heavy seas at Scotstown Head

Another failed attempt to get this rock as a Geograph. This time justified by the heavy sea, and although I was there around low tide, the waves were just too big to risk the last 10 metres east that I needed to go.

Peter Aikman

Colliding waves at Scotstown Head

I only needed to go 10 metres east to claim a Geograph, but didn't risk it. Never mind, I'll try again.

Peter Aikman

More sea-spray at Scotstown Head

Peter Aikman

Rock, sea and seals at Scotstown Head

A third visit at low tide on a windless day gives me the chance of getting to the end of Scotstown Craig rocks at Scotstown Head. The seals were not at all put out by my appearance. The nearest one remained the boldest during my half hour of wandering about and sitting in the sun.

Peter Aikman

Scotstown Craig rocks at Scotstown Head

Looking east of south. Peterhead is in the right-hand distance.

Peter Aikman

Cormorants or shags at Scotstown Head

About to fly to the sea as I approached

Peter Aikman

The A90 heading for Fraserburgh

David Purchase

Washed up kelp on the beach at Scotstown, Aberdeenshire

Looking towards the St Fergus Gas Terminal. Scotstown is spelled as Scotston on some maps. I've used the spelling which appears on the current (at the time of uploading) OS map and was recorded in the OS Name Book and thus appears on the first edition map. The OS have recently revised the spelling as on the 2017 edition of the map it has the other version.

Claire Pegrum

Scotstown Head, Aberdeenshire

Claire Pegrum

Beach, Kirkton Head, Aberdeenshire

The plant is European Sea Rocket (Cakile maritima).

Claire Pegrum

Fallen sign on the beach near Kirkton Head, Aberdeenshire

Looking towards Scotstown Head. I don't know how old the sign is, but permanently dissuading access with the implied threat that you might get shot doesn't comply with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code of 2004.

Claire Pegrum

Anti-tank blocks near Kirkton Head, Aberdeenshire

In addition to anti-tank blocks, anti-invasion defences between Kirton Head and Peterhead comprised five pillboxes, beach scaffolding and two 4-inch naval guns which were located just to the north of Peterhead at Buckhaven.

Claire Pegrum

Kirkton Head

The OS maps show Kirkton Head and Black Stones as being part of the same natural feature, but as can be seen here, although they are very close to one another, there is a short sandy stretch between them. The stones on Black Stones (which is directly ahead in the picture) are far darker when you get up close, but from a distance both look the same colour. This is due to the stones being covered with a dark green stringy variety of seaweed. The picture was taken about an hour before low tide - this low tide was listed as being a foot or so lower than the previous low tide.

Ian Dodds

Scostown Craig

This is the first time I've got a Geograph of one of these special coastal grid-squares which at high tide have no land at all, so quite pleased with myself! Heading East towards the sea here, it is only shortly before this point that stones and sand give way to proper rock formations. There's far less seaweed here than a mile South at Scostown Craig / Black Stones, and far more molluscs. These are so tightly attached to the rock that it is impossible to move them by hand; a heavy kick does remove them though (one has to check these things!) As is fitting for a mostly all-at-sea grid-square, I got soaked while taking this picture. It seems that one out of ten waves is always far bigger than the rest. None reached my feet for a good time, giving me a false feeling of being a good judge of my environment; then one crashed in and I was up to my knees!

Ian Dodds