New era for Bass Rock and Craigleith

RSPB Partnership Heralds new era for Bass Rock and Craigleith

Bass Rock and Craigleith island have become the newest additions to RSPB’s nature reserve network. This acquisition marks the launch of a new partnership between RSPB Scotland and the Scottish Seabird Centre at a crucial time, with the threats facing Scotland’s internationally important seabird populations growing, and 70% of Scotland’s seabird species in decline. The partnership project, ‘Safeguarding Scotland’s Seabirds’, and acquisition has been made possible with support from the National Heritage Memorial Fund funded by UK Government , the National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players and generous support of private donors.

Working Together to Save Seabirds

This ambitious partnership builds on years of dedicated stewardship. Our volunteers, local communities, and the Dalrymple family have worked tirelessly to conserve and restore these islands—most notably boosting Craigleith’s puffin population despite national declines.

We are proud of these successes, and, together with RSPB Scotland, we will build on them and ensure these vital sanctuaries are conserved forever. Our partnership will also allow us to engage more people, deepen their connection to these incredible places - and inspire the collective action we need to protect Scotland’s iconic seabirds for generations to come.

Building on Seabird Conservation Successes

The Scottish Seabird Centre will continue to manage the islands, in partnership with the RSPB, and lead SOS Puffin along with our ongoing key research and monitoring projects. Our thrilling wildlife boat trips around these spectacular seabird colonies will continue and we hope the project will mean that even more people across Scotland and the UK will be introduced to these special places and the extraordinary wildlife that make their home there.

Deepening Connections with the Bass Rock and Craigleith

Find out more about these special islands and see them for yourself via our live web cams on Craigleith and the Bass Rock.