Bass Rock

A Sanctuary for Seabirds in the Firth of Forth

Rising 106 metres above sea level, Bass Rock, situated about 3 miles northeast of North Berwick, presents an awe-inspiring sight in the Firth of Forth. Its towering presence, often resembling an iceberg from a distance, is adorned with the white sheen of tens of thousands of gannets. During the peak breeding season, the rock becomes home to the world’s largest gannet colony, with up to 150,000 birds nesting there, earning it acclaim as one of the ‘wildlife wonders of the world’ according to Sir David Attenborough.

In addition to the gannets, Bass Rock hosts various seabirds such as shags, guillemots, and razorbills on its lower ledges, while seals can often be seen resting on the rocks below. The Northern gannets, notable for their bright white plumage, black wingtips, and yellow heads, arrive in late February and depart by October, embarking on an impressive migration to the west coast of Africa. Their remarkable diving technique, reaching speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, is a spectacular sight against the backdrop of this natural marvel.