The world’s largest single-island colony of northern gannets has been sold to a conservation group to ensure sound conservation and management. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds bought Bass Rock and neighboring island Craigleith, which are three miles off the coast of North Berwick, Scotland. The Hamilton-Dalrymple family, hereditary baronets of North Berwick, have owned the islands for 320 years. In addition to northern gannets (Morus bassanus), Craigleith Island is home to approximately 10,000 Atlantic puffins (Fratercula arctica). The islands are uninhabited but contain the remains of a 14th-century castle, a lighthouse and a 17th-century state prison, often called “Scotland’s Alcatraz.” The gannet populations were significantly affected by bird flu outbreaks in recent years. The sale comes amid concerns that development of wind farms in the area will further impact seabird populations. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds plans to coordinate a new management plan and open opportunities for bird viewing.
