Groundbreaking 360-Degree Camera Network on Bass Rock Gannet Colony unveiled

The Scottish Seabird Centre, with support from the Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund (SMEEF) using funds made available by the Scottish Government's Nature Restoration Fund, have today switched on a new, cutting-edge 360-degree camera network on Bass Rock, offering an immersive, high-definition view of one of the UK’s most iconic seabird colonies.

This pioneering project brings the breathtaking beauty and dynamic wildlife of Bass Rock to global audiences via a live YouTube stream and a high-definition panorama display in the Scottish Seabird Centre. It may also serve as a vital tool for researchers monitoring this globally important gannet population.

Harry Huyton, CEO of the Scottish Seabird Centre said:

“We are incredibly excited to share Bass Rock’s extraordinary wildlife with the world in this immersive new way. This project reflects our commitment to innovation in conservation and education, and will help us inspire even more people across Scotland, the UK and the world by bringing them up close to the beauty and chaos of a thriving seabird colony.”

“The new camera network will also be used in a trial this year by researchers monitoring the colony. The gannets on Bass Rock have been hit hard by avian flu, and by providing 24/7 live monitoring streams we hope to be able to deepen our understanding of how the population is recovering from this devastating disease”

“We are grateful to our funders and partners who have helped make this pioneering new project happen, including the Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund, Audio Visual Systems, and the Northern Lighthouse Board, who assisted with logistics.”

“Whether you’re visiting us in North Berwick or tuning in from home, the 360-degree camera network offers a window into a world that is as awe-inspiring as it is important to protect.”

Trevor Cross, Managing Director of Audio Light Systems, who designed and installed the system, said:

“We’re delighted to support the Scottish Seabird Centre on this innovative project. Designing & delivering reliable, high‑quality live imaging from a challenging environment like Bass Rock is no small feat, and it’s fantastic to see technology helping to connect people with such an important wildlife site.”

Notes

You can view and control the Scottish Seabird Centre’s Bass Rock 360 live stream on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@SeabirdCentreScotland/live

Image credits and captions:

For further press information:

Jess Thompson, Marketing and Communications Manager, email jesst@seabird.org, tel: +44(0)1620 890202.

Jamie McDermaid, Communications and Content Officer, email jamiem@seabird.org, tel: + 44 (0) 1620 890202