RSPB buys Bass Rock after 300 years in private hands

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. RSPB buys Bass Rock after 300 years in private hands3 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleKevin KeaneScotland environment correspondentDavid Cannon/R&A via Getty ImagesThe giant rock is home to one of Europe's most important seabird coloniesBass Rock in the Firth of Forth, home to the world's largest colony of northern gannets, has been bought by the conservation charity RSPB Scotland. The island, three miles off the coast of North Berwick, has been owned by the Hamilton-Dalrymple family for 320 years. A grant of £586,000 from the National Heritage Memorial Fund has helped pay for transfer of the rock's ownership along with neighbouring Craigleith Island, which is home to about 10,000 puffins.

RSPB Scotland says the move will help it tackle the pressures facing seabirds, which have been in significant decline in recent years. The prominent 350ft (106m) high island, which is the site of a lighthouse and the remains of an ancient castle, is uninhabited. The island's distinctive white colour comes from bird droppings - also known as guano - which coat the surface and give it a distinctive smell.

The Details

The volcanic rock beneath is actually dark grey and brown. Northern gannets use the rock as a breeding colony during the summer monthsGannet numbers have declined by about a third since a recent bird flu outbreakThe total cost of the sale has not been disclosed but Scotland News understands it was below market value. RSPB Scotland said acquiring the islands came at a crucial time, with more than 70% of seabirds facing decline.

It said threats come from climate change, food scarcity, invasive species and human activity. Bass Rock has been a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for almost 75 years and is home to about 100,000 gannets. Anne McCall, director of RSPB Scotland, said the organisation was "thrilled" to be taking ownership of the islands and would be working with the Scottish Seabird Centre to protect and enhance the bird colonies.

"With the pressures facing Scotland's seabirds intensifying, we have a responsibility to act," she said. "This partnership gives us the opportunity to drive forward seabird recovery at this crucial time. "Tom White/Getty ImagesThe northern gannet population has fallen to 100,000 since a bird flu outbreakTom White/Getty ImagesThe Bass Rock lighthouse became operational in 1902 and was automated in 1988The gannet colony was devastated by bird flu in 2022/23 but researchers have since said populations are recovering.

What Experts Say

However, the most recent survey found numbers had only rebounded to about two thirds of their peak of 150,000. It is hoped the change of ownership will help conservation groups introduce measures which can protect and enhance bird numbers. Bass Rock was bought by Sir Hew Dalrymple in 1706.

It was previously both a religious site and a jail for political prisoners.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.