This is one of the most exciting and largest seabird colony on mainland Britain, with something in the order of 160,000 birds.

These comprise large numbers of Kittiwake and Guillemot, with smaller numbers of Fulmar, Puffin, Razorbill, Shag, Herring Gull and the odd Great Black-backed Gull.

The best time to visit is between late April, when the birds return, to the end of July, when the chicks start to leave.

Other times of year are not productive. Getting there involves going to Crawton, a small village just south of Stonehaven, a few miles south of Aberdeen.

By Car
Taking the coast road south from Stonehaven, Crawton is signposted to a B road off to left. From the village (which has a small car park) walk north along the cliffs for about 1/2km to reach the start of the reserve. alternatively, sometimes a boat leaves from Stonehaven harbour for a short tour around the bottom of the seabird cliffs (well worth doing to see the birds close-up, and swimming underwater).

By Bus
Hourly bus services run from Stonehaven, stopping at the Crawton turn-off (one-mile walk to the reserve).

By Rail