DOCSLIB.ORG

BULLERS of BUCHAN COAST Site of Special Scientific Interest SITE MANAGEMENT STATEMENT Site Code: 271 Address: 16/17 Rubislaw Terrace, Aberdeen AB10 1XE

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
BULLERS of BUCHAN COAST Site of Special Scientific Interest SITE MANAGEMENT STATEMENT Site Code: 271 Address: 16/17 Rubislaw Terrace, Aberdeen AB10 1XE BULLERS OF BUCHAN COAST Site of Special Scientific Interest SITE MANAGEMENT STATEMENT Site code: 271 Address: 16/17 Rubislaw Terrace, Aberdeen AB10 1XE. Tel: 01224 642863. Email: [email protected]. Purpose This is a public statement prepared by SNH for owners and occupiers of the SSSI. It outlines the reasons Bullers of Buchan is notified as an SSSI and provides guidance on how its special natural features should be conserved or enhanced. This Statement does not affect or form part of the statutory notification and does not remove the need to apply for consent for operations requiring consent. We welcome your views on this statement. Description of the site This site comprises the sea cliffs and coastal strip from Buchan Ness, near Peterhead, southwards to Slains Castle, near Cruden Bay, including the Bullers of Buchan. The cliffs, slopes, and inshore stacks are of special geological and biological interest. Natural features of Bullers Feature condition (date monitored) Other of Buchan Coast SSSI relevant designations Coastal geomorphology of Favourable Maintained (March 2001) Scotland Maritime cliff Favourable Maintained (June 1999) SAC Seabird colony, breeding Favourable Maintained (July 2007) SPA Guillemot Unfavourable Declining (July 2007) SPA Kittiwake Unfavourable No change (July 2007) SPA Shag Unfavourable No change (July 2007) SPA Features of overlapping Feature condition SPA or SAC Natura sites that are not (date monitored) notified as SSSI natural features Fulmar Unfavourable Declining (July 2007) SPA 1 A375706.doc Herring gull Unfavourable No change (July 2007) SPA Geological Bullers of Buchan is the most important site for rock coast geomorphology in north Aberdeenshire. The site demonstrates an excellent and impressive range of rocky coast landforms developed in a relatively uniform, massive granite bedrock. It thus provides an excellent opportunity for detailed research into the evolution of a rocky coastline since the last Ice Age 14 000 years ago. Several distinctive landforms occur and include: very fine examples different types of cliffs (angular, near vertical and triangular forms), inlets of variable width and complexity (long and narrow, e.g. Long Haven, wider and more complex, e.g. Robie’s Haven, North Haven and Twa Havens, or smaller indentation, (e.g. at Partans), sea caves (e.g. at North and South Seals), arches (on Dunbuy island, at Robie’s Haven and Long Haven), stacks (e.g. the Temptin’), intertidal platforms, stumps, skerries, linear reefs and blowholes (e.g. The Pot). Biological The breeding seabird colony is the largest in north-east Scotland and forms part of the Buchan Ness to Collieston Coast Special Protection Area (SPA). The overall colony is of international importance. Amongst this assemblage, the breeding population of kittiwake is of international importance in its own right (6% of British population, 1% of total subspecies population). Furthermore, the breeding populations of guillemot, shag, razorbill and herring gull are each of national importance in their own right (1%, 1%, 2% and 2% of British populations respectively). The assemblage also includes a large breeding population of fulmar, about 1000 pairs, and smaller numbers of puffin. An assessment of the seabird colony was carried out in 2001 in the first cycle of Site Condition Monitoring (SCM). This assessed the seabird colony, as a whole, to be in favourable condition, having increased in size since 1986, with another 14,183 individuals noted. A large increase in some species, in particular guillemot and also increases in fulmar, puffin and razorbill, more than made up for decreases in other species, namely shag, herring gull and kittiwake. Assessments were recently carried out for the second cycle of SCM, following a survey in 2007. This recorded decreases in the whole colony (-24% overall), and in guillemot, fulmar, shag and kittiwake in particular, down 40%, 22%, 19% and 13% respectively. The sea-cliffs and slopes support a wide range of maritime plant communities, with characteristic species such as thrift, Scots lovage (particularly in crevices), and roseroot (especially on ledges). The cliff top has some of the finest examples of coastal dwarf-shrub heath and brackish flushes on the coast of north-east Scotland. An assessment of the cliff and cliff slope habitats carried out in 1999 and 2000 found these to be generally in favourable condition, but noted small scale dumping, mainly of stones, from the adjacent fields. 2 A375706.doc Past and present management There is very little direct agricultural use of the site and no historical records of grazing but the composition and structure of the vegetation indicate that grazing took place in some areas in the past. Recently some grazing was introduced at the northern end of the site under the Scottish Executive’s (SEERAD) Countryside Premium Scheme (CPS). Much of the site has been fenced off by owners to control stock movements and in particular to keep stock safe from the hazardous cliff edge. Some field drains on the margins of the site and on adjacent agricultural land are maintained. Towards the northern end of the site, Blackhills Quarry is quarried for building stone. Drainage from the quarry is discharged to the sea, via a drain through the site. The long geos, such as Long Haven, may have been used as sheltered harbours for the castle at Slains. The site is important for its amenity. A coastal footpath is being developed and a nature reserve is present at Longhaven, managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT), for its bird life and coastal heathland. These have encouraged access and recreational interest in the site. Information and interpretation boards are present at The Pot of Bullers of Buchan and the entrance to the SWT Reserve. Stones and building material are dumped at a few localities. Objectives for management (and key factors influencing the condition of natural features) We wish to work with the owners to protect the site and to maintain and where necessary enhance its features of special interest. SNH aims to carry out site survey, monitoring and research as appropriate to increase our knowledge and understanding of the site and its natural features. The EU Habitats and Birds Directives oblige Government to avoid, in SACs and SPAs, the deterioration of natural habitats and the habitats of species, as well as disturbance of the species for which the areas have been designated, in so far as such disturbance could be significant in relation to the objectives of these Directives. The objectives below have been assessed against these requirements. All authorities proposing to carry out or permit to be carried out operations likely to have a significant effect on the European interests of this SSSI must assess those operations against the relevant Natura conservation objectives (which are listed on our website through the SNHi - SiteLink facility). 1. Ensure the continued natural evolution of the system The Bullers of Buchan coastline is evolving naturally in response to changes in local wind patterns, storminess and relative sea level, together with any associated changes in wave action or coastal retreat. In the long term, this could mean dramatic changes in the form of the rocky coastline. These processes are 3 A375706.doc important to the geomorphological interest of the site and should be allowed to continue to operate naturally. 2. Maintain the physical and visual integrity of the landforms for educational and research purposes Development such as quarrying, mineral extraction or baffling of offshore wave energies (for example by constructing offshore wave barriers), could affect the geomorphological interest (and also the biological interests and landscape). SNH, SWT, the Aberdeenshire Council and the Blackhills Quarry operators have established a Quarry Liaison Group. This Group regularly meets to discuss and review activities associated with the quarry, such as vehicular access and drainage, which are likely to have an impact upon the site. Once the quarrying has finished, works to re-instate it as part of the SWT reserve will need to consider implications for the bedrock geology of the cliff tops. 3. Maintain populations and overall assemblage of seabirds. 4. Maintain cliff habitats - crevice and ledge vegetation, heaths, brackish flushes, and maritime grasslands - in favourable condition Under the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 damage to the site, including unconsented dumping of materials by third parties, is now an offence. It may be appropriate to provide additional signage advising of this. Further re-introductions of grazing at modest levels could be beneficial for cliff-top vegetation. Care should to be taken to ensure that increased public access to the coastal footpath does not lead to path erosion, and potential loss of habitat (particularly maritime heath). 5. Support appropriate public access and the development of interpretation for amenity, education and research purposes. Aberdeenshire Council are keen to further promote the coastal footpath. Increased use of the site should develop people’s appreciation of the site and help prevent fly-tipping. Path works may be required to counter erosion or to reduce the risk of landslips in sections that are close to the cliff edge. Other factors affecting the natural features of the site Sand eels: The breeding seabirds are largely dependent on the sand eel population for feeding. Any significant decline of the sand eel population is likely to have a detrimental effect on the breeding success of the seabird colonies. Date last reviewed: 31 March 2010. 4 A375706.doc .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Hillforts of Strathdon: 2004-2010
    The Hillforts of Strathdon: 2004-2010 Murray Cook Having worked across Scotland and Northern England for the last 15 years I can say without hesitation that projects with Ian in Aberdeenshire always filled me with joy and renewed passion and enthusiasm for archaeology: without him this project would not have taken place. Introduction In ‘ In the Shadow of Bennachie’ the RCAHMS survey of the Strathdon area, the hillforts (throughout the paper ‘hillfort’ is used as shorthand to describe an enclosure whether on a hill or not) of the area were classified into a six-fold scheme, according to size and defensive system recorded (RCAHMS 2007, 100-1). Of course, the information was gathered through non-invasive survey, and it is unclear how these classes related to each other, as their dates were unknown. Using the same criteria of size and defensive system, albeit with a larger data set Ralston ( et al 1983) proposed a different classification as did Feachem a generation earlier (1966). These conflicting classifications illustrate the essentially limited value of such attempts: without hard data they remain talking points to be reinterpreted once a generation. In order to further the debate - hard dating evidence from physical excavation is needed. In what some have described as naïve, The Hillforts of Strathdon Project was set up in an attempt to characterise and date the type-sites of the area, through a programme of key- hole excavation on the variety of enclosures in the area. After six seasons of excavations on nine enclosures with local volunteers and students, this paper briefly summarises the key results in chronological order and the general conclusions.
    [Show full text]
  • The Mack Walks: Short Walks in Scotland Under 10 Km Alford
    The Mack Walks: Short Walks in Scotland Under 10 km Alford-Haughton Country Park Ramble (Aberdeenshire) Route Summary This is an easy circular walk with modest overall ascent. Starting and finishing at Alford, an attractive Donside village situated in its own wide and fertile Howe (or Vale), the route passes though parkland, woodland, riverside and farming country, with extensive rural views. Duration: 2.5 hours Route Overview Duration: 2.5 hours. Transport/Parking: Frequent Stagecoach #248 service from Aberdeen. Check timetable. Parking spaces at start/end of walk outside Alford Valley Railway, or nearby. Length: 7.570 km / 4.73 mi Height Gain: 93 meter Height Loss: 93 meter Max Height: 186 meter Min Height: 131 meter Surface: Moderate. Mostly on good paths and paved surfaces. A fair amount of walking on pavements and quiet minor roads. Child Friendly: Yes, if children are used to walks of this distance. Difficulty: Easy. Dog Friendly: Yes, but keep dogs on lead near to livestock, and on public roads. Refreshments: Options in Alford. Description This is a gentle ramble around and about the attractive large village of Alford, taking in the pleasant environs of Haughton Country Park, a section along the banks of the River Don, and the Murray Park mixed woodland, before circling around to descend into the centre again from woodland above the Dry Ski Slope. Alford lies within the Vale of Alford, tracing the middle reaches of the River Don. In the summer season, the Alford Valley (Narrow-Gauge) Railway, Grampian Transport Museum, Alford Heritage Centre and Craigievar Castle are popular attractions to visit when in the area.
    [Show full text]
  • Housing Land Audit 2014
    Housing Land Audit 2014 Aberdeen City Council Aberdeenshire Council Housing Land Audit 2014 A joint publication by Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council 1. Introduction 1.1 Purpose of Audit 1 1.2 Preparation of Audit 1 1.3 Housing Market Areas 3 1.4 Land Supply Denitions 4 2. Background to Housing Land Audit 2014 2.1 2014 Draft Housing Land Audit Consultation 5 2.2 Inclusion of Local Development Plan Sites 5 3. Established Housing Land Supply 3.1 Established Housing Land Supply 6 3.2 Greeneld / Browneld Land 7 4. Constrained Housing Land Supply 4.1 Constrained Housing Land Supply 8 4.2 Analysis of Constraints 9 4.3 Constrained Sites and Completions 10 5. Effective Housing Land Supply 5.1 Five Year Effective Supply 12 5.2 Post Five Year Effective Supply 13 5.3 Small Sites 14 5.4 Trends in the Effective Supply 15 6. Housing Requirement and Effective Supply 6.1 Housing Requirement and Effective Supply 17 7. Agreement on Effective Supply 7.1 Agreement on Effective Supply 18 8. Cairngorms National Park Sites 8.1 Cairngorms National Park Sites 19 Appendix 1 Glossary of Terms Denitions used in Housing Land Audit Tables Appendix 2 Detailed Statement of Established, Constrained and Effective Land Supply 2014 for Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Tables: - Aberdeen City - Aberdeenshire part of Aberdeen Housing Market Area - Aberdeenshire Rural Housing Market Area Appendix 3 Actual and Anticipated Housing Completions: - Housing Market Areas - Strategic Growth Areas - Aberdeenshire Settlements Appendix 4 Constrained Sites Appendix 5 Long Term Constrained Sites Published August 2014 Aberdeen City Council Aberdeenshire Council Enterprise, Planning & Infrastructure Infrastructure Services Business Hub 4 Woodhill House Ground Floor North Westburn Road Marischal College Aberdeen Broad Street AB16 5GB Aberdeen AB10 1AB 1.
    [Show full text]
  • THE PINNING STONES Culture and Community in Aberdeenshire
    THE PINNING STONES Culture and community in Aberdeenshire When traditional rubble stone masonry walls were originally constructed it was common practice to use a variety of small stones, called pinnings, to make the larger stones secure in the wall. This gave rubble walls distinctively varied appearances across the country depend- ing upon what local practices and materials were used. Historic Scotland, Repointing Rubble First published in 2014 by Aberdeenshire Council Woodhill House, Westburn Road, Aberdeen AB16 5GB Text ©2014 François Matarasso Images ©2014 Anne Murray and Ray Smith The moral rights of the creators have been asserted. ISBN 978-0-9929334-0-1 This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 UK: England & Wales. You are free to copy, distribute, or display the digital version on condition that: you attribute the work to the author; the work is not used for commercial purposes; and you do not alter, transform, or add to it. Designed by Niamh Mooney, Aberdeenshire Council Printed by McKenzie Print THE PINNING STONES Culture and community in Aberdeenshire An essay by François Matarasso With additional research by Fiona Jack woodblock prints by Anne Murray and photographs by Ray Smith Commissioned by Aberdeenshire Council With support from Creative Scotland 2014 Foreword 10 PART ONE 1 Hidden in plain view 15 2 Place and People 25 3 A cultural mosaic 49 A physical heritage 52 A living heritage 62 A renewed culture 72 A distinctive voice in contemporary culture 89 4 Culture and
    [Show full text]
  • Bulletin June 2013
    CRUDEN BULLETIN PARISH CHURCH JUNE 2013 This month we shall host a special event in our church. Well known entertainer and occasional visitor to our church when she is in Cruden Bay, Fiona Kennedy, who stages concerts in Aberdeen and abroad, has organised a concert tour which will include Cruden. Inside this issue you will find a press release about the concert. .www.crudenchurch.org.uk A Registered Charity SC 006408 DIARY SUMMER 2013 DATES Worship services will continue every Sunday morning in Cruden Parish Church at 10 am and will be conducted by the minister except where otherwise stated. The hymns sung during the summer will be from Mission Praise. June Thursday 6th : Guild Senior Citizens’ Outing Sunday 16th : Service to be conducted by 3 elders. Thursday 20th : Fiona Kennedy Concert in the Church at 7.30 pm Saturday 22nd : Congregational Walk leaving Hatton Hall at 9 am Formartine Buchan Way Sunday 30th : Service to be conducted by 3 elders. July Sunday 7th : Cake and Candy Stall after the service Sunday 21st : Service to be conducted by Mrs Jenny Smith Congregational Walk leaving the church hall at 11.30 am Balmedie to Bridge of Don August Sunday 4th : Cake and Candy Stall after the service Sunday 11th : Congregational Walk leaving the church hall at 11.30 am Gordon Way Monday19th : : Kirk Session 7.30 pm Hall CAKE AND CANDY SUNDAY STALL To raise funds for the Windows Project there will be a monthly Cake and Candy Stall in the Hall after the service on the first Sunday of July, August and September.
    [Show full text]
  • A Stunning Six Bedroom Former Manse
    A stunning six bedroom former manse Avaig, Crimond, Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, AB43 8QN Freehold A stunning six bedroom former manse with two traditional stone built outbuildings, situated within tranquil garden grounds of approximately 2.1 acres on the outskirts of the thriving village of Crimond. Ground floor: entrance vestibule • reception hall drawing room • sitting room • dining room • study Mezzanine floor: bedroom one • bathroom • wet room First floor: bedrooms two • three • four • five and six Lower ground floor: rear vestibule • WC cloakroom family room • dining kitchen • utility room • boot room • store gym with wine cellar off • boiler room EPC rating: Band E SUMMARY from where a partially glazed Situated within tranquil door leads into the welcoming grounds extending to reception hall. An impressive approximately 2.1 acres, Avaig curved staircase with ornate is a handsome six bedroom wrought iron balustrades and former manse. Category C timber handrail leads up to the Listed, the original early mezzanine and first floor Georgian part of the building is landings. Two stained glass understood to be around 200 windows provide plentiful years old, while the front natural light, while a door section of the property was beneath the main staircase constructed by James reveals a further staircase Henderson in 1845. The current which leads down to the lower owner has undertaken ground floor and basement. a significant programme of Within the spacious drawing renovation to restore this room a square bay window characterful property to its looks out onto the front garden former glory. Providing to the fields beyond. With spacious and versatile arched alcoves to either side of accommodation, a host of the striking open fireplace, this original features remain, is a warm and inviting public including deep skirtings and room.
    [Show full text]
  • Genealogical Material on Microfilm
    Genealogical material on microfilm Microfilmed genealogical material is held at the following locations: Area Library where microfilm located Aberdour Old Parish Registers HQ, Fraserburgh, 1841 Census HQ, Ellon, Fraserburgh, Huntly, Inverurie, Macduff 1851 Census HQ, Ellon, Fraserburgh, Huntly, Inverurie 1861 Census HQ, Ellon, Fraserburgh, Huntly, Inverurie, Peterhead, Strichen 1871 Census HQ, Ellon, Fraserburgh, Huntly, Inverurie 1881 Census HQ, Ellon, Fraserburgh, Huntly, Inverurie 1891 Census HQ, Ellon, Fraserburgh, Huntly, Inverurie 1901 Census HQ, Fraserburgh, Strichen Aberlour 1841 Census HQ, Fraserburgh, Macduff 1851 Census HQ, Fraserburgh, Macduff 1861 Census HQ, Fraserburgh, Macduff 1871 Census HQ, Fraserburgh, Macduff 1881 Census HQ, Fraserburgh, Macduff 1891 Census HQ, Fraserburgh, Macduff 1901 Census HQ, Macduff Aboyne and Glentanar Old Parish Registers HQ, Banchory, Stonehaven 1841 Census HQ, Ellon, Fraserburgh, Huntly, Inverurie, Macduff 1851 Census HQ, Ellon, Huntly, Inverurie, 1861 Census HQ, Ellon, Fraserburgh, Huntly, Inverurie, Peterhead, Strichen 1871 Census HQ, Ellon, Fraserburgh, Huntly, Inverurie 1881 Census HQ, Ellon, Fraserburgh, Huntly, Inverurie 1891 Census HQ, Ellon, Fraserburgh, Huntly, Inverurie 1901 Census HQ, Fraserburgh, Strichen Alford Old Parish Registers HQ, 1841 Census HQ, Ellon, Fraserburgh, Huntly, Inverurie, Macduff 1851 Census HQ, Ellon, Fraserburgh, Huntly, Inverurie 1861 Census HQ, Ellon, Fraserburgh, Huntly, Inverurie, Peterhead, Strichen 1871 Census HQ, Ellon, Fraserburgh, Huntly, Inverurie
    [Show full text]
  • Projects Funded
    NorthConnect Legacy Fund Summary of Awards 2017-2020 Between 2017 and 2020, £59,907 has been awarded by the NorthConnect Legacy Fund to community groups benefiting the Fund area. Some examples showing the range of activities funded are shown below, followed by a full list of awards. Aberdeenshire Sailing Trust: Rescue boat engine In 2017, the Fund awarded Aberdeenshire Sailing Trust £1,000 towards a rescue boat engine to support activities taking place at the Trust’s Peterhead centre. The cover provided by the rescue boat meant that the Trust was able to deliver taster sessions for schools, RYA courses, race training and RYA junior sailing courses. The boat supported disabled schools sailing and weekly disability club. 538 people of various ages benefited. The vital role of the rescue boat was highlighted in an incident in September 2019, when a sudden squall caused three dinghies to capsize, throwing ten teenage sailors into the water. This prompted the emergency services to launch a large scale response, involving helicopters and lifeboats. However, the Trust’s instructors were able to use the rescue boat to get everybody quickly and safely ashore without injury or the assistance of emergency services. Following the incident, the Buchan Coastguard issued a statement saying that “This incident had the potential to be far more serious in outcome except for some key factors… We would like to thank those involved for being properly equipped.” Press and Journal; 6 September 2019; Instructors praised as 10 teens rescued from North Sea in ‘violent storms’. Mintlaw Academy Therapeutic Garden In 2017, the Fund awarded the Mintlaw Academy Therapeutic Garden £400 toward fencing and equipment.
    [Show full text]
  • 61 Bus Time Schedule & Line Route
    61 bus time schedule & line map 61 Peterhead - Aberdeen View In Website Mode The 61 bus line (Peterhead - Aberdeen) has 3 routes. For regular weekdays, their operation hours are: (1) Aberdeen: 4:45 AM - 9:45 PM (2) Ellon: 5:58 AM (3) Peterhead: 6:25 AM - 11:30 PM Use the Moovit App to ƒnd the closest 61 bus station near you and ƒnd out when is the next 61 bus arriving. Direction: Aberdeen 61 bus Time Schedule 100 stops Aberdeen Route Timetable: VIEW LINE SCHEDULE Sunday Not Operational Monday 4:45 AM - 9:45 PM Grange Road, Peterhead Tuesday 4:45 AM - 9:45 PM Iona Avenue, Peterhead Wednesday 4:45 AM - 9:45 PM Waterside Road, Peterhead Thursday 4:45 AM - 9:45 PM Waterside Way, Peterhead Friday 4:45 AM - 9:45 PM White Gates, Peterhead Saturday 5:25 AM - 9:45 PM Waterside Road, Scotland Lea Rig Road, Peterhead Morningside Avenue, Peterhead 61 bus Info Direction: Aberdeen Marischal Keith Drive, Peterhead Stops: 100 Trip Duration: 91 min Stewart Crescent, Peterhead Line Summary: Grange Road, Peterhead, Iona Avenue, Peterhead, Waterside Road, Peterhead, Waterside Way, Peterhead, White Gates, Peterhead, Richmond Road, Peterhead Lea Rig Road, Peterhead, Morningside Avenue, Peterhead, Marischal Keith Drive, Peterhead, Stewart Richmond Avenue, Peterhead Crescent, Peterhead, Richmond Road, Peterhead, Richmond Avenue, Peterhead, Chevron Crescent, Chevron Crescent, Peterhead Peterhead, Petergrange Road, Peterhead, Glendale Chevron Crescent, Scotland Road, Peterhead, Grange Gardens, Peterhead, Station Road, Peterhead, Cairntrodlie, Peterhead, Petergrange
    [Show full text]
  • Bygone Cairnbulg, Inverallochy & St Combs Download Free
    BYGONE CAIRNBULG, INVERALLOCHY & ST COMBS Author: Jim Buchan Number of Pages: 48 pages Published Date: 12 May 2014 Publisher: Stenlake Publishing Publication Country: Ayrshire, United Kingdom Language: English ISBN: 9781840336665 DOWNLOAD: BYGONE CAIRNBULG, INVERALLOCHY & ST COMBS Bygone Cairnbulg, Inverallochy & St Combs PDF Book Buy this latest novel by local author C. In the afternoon on Sundays an open air meeting was held in the middle of the villages. Inverallochy is most renowned for its hole links golf course , which looks out over the North Sea from every hole. Each village in the Buchan Rathen Coast takes turns to host the walk which has been happening for over years. Jump to: navigation , search. The Little Book of Birmingham. The programme consisted mainly of glowing testimonies and joyful singing. Description Additional information Reviews 0 Description A pictorial history showing how the villages of Cairnbulg, Inverallochy and St Combs looked in years gone by. A newspaper report states that out of a population of , over professions were recorded in a fortnight. We now offer for sale this piece of land extending to over 5 acres just on the outskirts of the coastal village of St. As a result of this planning, within twenty years over boats were based here, although in recent years this has dwindled back to almost none as larger, commercial operations became focused on the nearby ports of Fraserburgh and Peterhead. Cairnbulg Castle, to the south west of the village, can trace its origins back to the s and fishing communities were well established on this coastline by the s.
    [Show full text]
  • Record Breaker
    Viewpoint Record breaker Time: 15 mins Region: Scotland Landscape: rural Location: Bridge over Clunie Water, Invercauld Road, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5YP Grid reference: NO 15103 91384 Keep an eye out for: Snow on the hills above – it should be visible from late October until early May with the right weather conditions With a population of less than a thousand, the small village of Braemar on the edge of the Scottish Highlands in rural Aberdeenshire isn’t the sort of place you would imagine making too many headlines or breaking many records. But every few years, Braemar finds itself front-page news in several national newspapers. What makes Braemar in Aberdeenshire such a record breaker? The answer is that great British obsession - the weather. Braemar holds the record for the lowest ever UK temperature – it has reached - 27.2 °C twice, in 1895 and 1982. Whenever cold weather is predicted, meteorologists turn their attention to the weather station here at Braemar, as it’s usually colder than any other lowland station. But it’s not just cold temperatures that have made Braemar a record breaker. On 30th September 2015 it registered as one of the warmest places in the UK recording an unseasonably warm temperature of 24.0 °C. Yet the same day it was also the coldest place in the UK at -1.3 °C. The very next day (October 1st) it was again the coldest and warmest place meaning that for the two months in a row, Braemar recorded the warmest AND coldest monthly temperatures for the UK! So how can we explain this strange phenomenon? The reason is down to its geography.
    [Show full text]
  • The Mack Walks: Short Walks in Scotland Under 10 Km Muir Of
    The Mack Walks: Short Walks in Scotland Under 10 km Muir of Alford-Breda-River Don Circuit (Aberdeenshire) Route Summary An easy rural ramble with very limited ascent. The highlights on the route are – the river path along the scenic valley of the River Don and the wider vistas to the Bennachie and Menaway Hills from the mid-point at Auchintoul Farm. As ever, some historical interest too! Duration: 2 hours. Route Overview Duration: 2 hours. Transport/Parking: No public transport links close to the walk start/end point. Nearest bus service to Alford. A small parking area near the roadside outside the old church at the walk start. Length: 6.04 km / 3.78 mi Height Gain: 78 meter Height Loss: 78 meter Max Height: 193 meter Min Height: 144 meter Surface: Moderate. A mix of tarred surfaces, hard-surfaced rough roads and good paths. The riverside path is through long grass in parts and will be wet after rain, particularly in the summer months. Child Friendly: Yes, if children are used to walks of this distance. Difficulty: Easy. Dog Friendly: Yes, on lead on public roads and near farm animals. Refreshments: We can recommend the Alford Bistro, and Haughton Arms in Alford. Description This is a very gentle and pleasant rural walk in the Howe of Alford with a particularly scenic section along the River Don, where Lord Arthur’s Hill dominates on the north side of the river, and the Coiliochbar Hill on the south. Sixty-two miles long, the River Don rises in the shadow of Glen Avon and follows a sinuous route eastwards through Strathdon, the Howe of Alford, and the Garioch, before entering the North Sea just north of Old Aberdeen.
    [Show full text]