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17 September 2014
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Rocky Islands | Bass Rock

Bass Rock

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Bass Rock is one of the most distinctive landmarks in Scotland, jutting out abruptly from the Firth of Forth.

In common with the other Forth islands, the rock is the remains of a volcano - over millions of years the sea has worn away the softer layers of rock, leaving only a hard plug of solidified lava.

Bass has been part of many significant events in Scottish history.

Rocky coast index (Image: Guillemot)

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Why not get out and about to our rocky islands which are rich in sea birds and marine life?

Rocky coast activities (Image: Puffin)

Rocky Island activities

  • Why not take a few tips from the Nature's Calendar team? Try your hand at bird spotting and watching Basking Sharks.

Bass Rock - Visitor Guide

Address:

Bass Rock, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland.

Postcode EH31
Telephone:0131 332 2433
e-mailEmail form on Sea Bird website
Location map: Multimap of Bass Rock
Ordnance Survey:NT604871
Key attraction:Sea bird colony.
Essential kit:Waterproof footwear, binoculars.
Nature watching:

Best season: Summer.

 

Birds: The Gannets remain on the Rock from February until the end of October when they set off to the west coast of Africa, returning in January.

 

You can watch the sea birds on cameras mounted on the rock at the Scottish Seabird Centre at North Berwick.

 

Marine life: look out for Bottlenose Dolphins and Minke Whales off the coastline.

Access:Disabled access:
Getting there:

Bass Rock lies three miles north-east of North Berwick in Scotland, one mile off the mainland coast of the Firth of Forth, and is accessible by boat.


The ferry is generally available daily but landings on Bass Rock itself are weather-permitting only.

 

Bird-watching boat trips are also available from the harbour running from April through until September every year. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy footwear and waterproofs. Contact The Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick, on 01620 890 202, for more information. The boat trip takes approximately 30 minutes.

 

By car: North Berwick is a small harbour village situated 20 miles east of Edinburgh, off the A1 on the A198 coastal road.

 

Car parking: available at North Berwick.

Opening times:Year round, although access is dependent on availability of the ferry.
Charges:Gift shop and café with panoramic views.
        
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