Scotland’s iconic seabird sanctuaries saved for future generations
- National Heritage Memorial Fund supports RSPB to acquire Bass Rock and Craigleith islands in the Firth of Forth, safeguarding iconic seabird sanctuaries
- RSPB and Scottish Seabird Centre plan bright future for conservation and public access backed by The National Lottery Heritage Fund
- As birdwatching rises 1088% among young people, project offers an immersive new way for more people to experience puffin and gannet colonies
- Crucial step for conservation as 70% of Scotland’s seabirds face decline
“It was an unco place by night, unco by day; and there were unco sounds; of the calling of the solans [gannets], and the plash [splash] of the sea, and the rock echoes that hung continually in our ears.”
From ‘Catriona’ by Robert Louis Stevenson
In the Firth of Forth, it is a time of new beginnings. As breeding season peaks for Bass Rock’s around 100,000 strong gannet population and neighbouring Craigleith’s 10,000 puffins, a new chapter for the islands and its feathered residents has begun.
Thanks to £586,000 funding from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, Bass Rock and Craigleith islands have been acquired by RSPB Scotland from the Dalrymple family, including funds for the most immediate maintenance needs. This will bring the islands into charitable ownership for the first time in 320 years and ensure nature is at the heart of their futures for generations to come.
Bringing the islands into RSPB Scotland stewardship comes at a crucial time. More than 70% of Scotland’s seabirds are in decline and facing unprecedented threats from climate change, food scarcity, invasive species and the impact of human activity. On Bass Rock and Craigleith, the spread of invasive tree mallow and the spread of Avian Flu (HPAI) in 2022 made a significant impact on the gannet populations.
In partnership with the Scottish Seabird Centre, RSPB Scotland has ambitious plans to save, safeguard and celebrate the natural heritage and history of the islands. The future plans are supported by £372,000 of development funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund with the potential to unlock a further £589,000 of money raised by National Lottery players. Plans include an immersive new viewing theatre in the Scottish Seabird Centre, inclusive boat trips and community outreach.
Simon Thurley, Chair of the National Heritage Memorial Fund and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
“As Chair of both the National Heritage Memorial Fund and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, I am delighted to announce these substantial grants to secure the future of Bass Rock, Craigleith and the seabirds and marine life that call them home.
For the Memorial Fund, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to secure the islands for the public and ensure that, with RSPB Scotland and the Scottish Seabird Centre at the helm, their role as seabird sanctuaries is protected for the future.
For the Heritage Fund, this project is a fantastic example of our vision for supporting nature’s recovery and enabling people to connect positively with the world around them. Thanks to National Lottery players, there are exciting opportunities ahead for conservationists, birdwatchers and those who are yet to fall in love with the islands.
While the Memorial Fund and the Heritage Fund are distinct, both share a commitment to securing the future of our heritage, and this package of support demonstrates how effectively we can combine their strengths to achieve this.”
RSPB Scotland and the Scottish Seabird Centre will deliver a crucial coordinated conservation plan across both islands, carrying out monitoring and research and working with volunteers to help species and habitats survive and thrive. The partnership will advocate for Scotland’s seabirds, building a greater understanding of their needs and challenges and aiming to increase support and investment for seabird conservation and Scotland’s marine environment.
Strengthening public connection to Bass Rock, Craigleith and its species are integral to their future. A 360-degree viewing theatre will be built in the Scottish Seabird Centre, enabling people to watch the puffins, gannets and other marine species in real time without disturbing their habitats. This will be welcome news for birdwatchers, whose numbers have increased by 47% overall since 2018 and by 1,088% for 16 to 29 year olds, according to a report published by RSPB.
Future engagement work will include inclusive boat trips, school workshops and compiling community memories of the islands which are an imposing and iconic part of the Firth of Forth seascape, not just for their role as seabird strongholds but for their rich histories and their depictions in art and literature.
Anne McCall, Director, RSPB Scotland said:
“We’re thrilled to be taking on stewardship of Bass Rock and Craigleith, expanding the RSPB nature reserve network around the Firth of Forth thanks to the National Heritage Memorial Fund and National Lottery Heritage Fund. With the pressures facing Scotland’s seabirds intensifying, we have a responsibility to act. This partnership gives us the opportunity to drive forward seabird recovery at this crucial time.
“Collaboration is essential to protect wildlife and these incredible places they call home. Working with the Scottish Seabird Centre, we will ensure these extraordinary islands are safeguarded for generations to come. Through management, research, community engagement and advocacy, we can secure a brighter future for species like Puffins and Gannets.
By working together, the two charities aim to secure a more resilient future for the islands for the benefit of wildlife and the people who love and care for them.”
Harry Huyton, CEO, Scottish Seabird Centre said:
“Bass Rock and Craigleith are among the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, and their integration into the RSPB’s nature reserve network is a historic day for Scottish nature. This ambitious partnership between the Scottish Seabird Centre and the RSPB builds on years of dedicated stewardship, where our volunteers, local communities, and the Dalrymple family have worked tirelessly to restore these islands—most notably quadrupling Craigleith’s puffin population despite national declines.
Together with RSPB Scotland, we will ensure these vital sanctuaries are conserved forever, deepen public connection to these incredible places, and inspire collective action to protect Scotland’s iconic seabirds for generations to come. Thanks to National Lottery players for helping making all of this possible.”
Sir Hew Dalrymple, former landowner, said:
“The Dalrymple family have been fortunate to have been custodians of the Bass for over three hundred years. During my lifetime the Gannet population has quadrupled. However, it is clear the seabird colonies of the Forth now face unprecedented challenges, most notably from wind turbines, pollution, over-fishing and disease. I believe that RSPB Scotland is the organisation best equipped to take up this challenge on their behalf, so I am delighted to pass on to them stewardship of Craigleith and the Bass.”
ENDS
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