Gannets at Bass Rock

1 mile from the coast near North Berwick is this rock which is home to about 80,000 gannet nests. David Attenborough described it as one of the twelve wildlife wonders of the world.

As we approached the 'white' rock it appeared to be moving, but as we came close we could see a mass of gannets nesting on the narrow ledges of what appeared to be a sheer face. Then the air became black with birds on the fly. The young birds are dark and fluffy and appear to be bigger than their parents who are sleek and white with beautiful yellow heads. With a wing span of up to 2 metres the Northern gannets are the largest sea birds in the North Atlantic.

I have seen the gannets at Cape Kidnappers in Hawkes Bay, but was still fascinated by their ability to nest and breed in such exposed and treacherous places.

This volcanic island is also home to an unmanned lighthouse, and in the early 15th century was a prison for political enemies of King James. The remains of this prison/castle are still visible beside the lighthouse.