Winter Highlights
Why the East Grampian Coast is great in winter........
During the winter the lure of the shops, a log fire or staying tucked up inside all cosy and warm can be strong but the East Grampian coast can be at its most spectacular and rewarding at this time of year.
Winter storms can be stunning, with huge waves breaking along the coast, and whilst you must keep back from the edge and remain safe, the sight of the power of nature pounding the coast is a spell binding sight, and even more amazing is the sight of the local surfers paddling out to meet them full on! Particularly good watch points include Rattray Head, Peterhead Harbour, Collieston, Stonehaven Harbour and Inverbervie.
If we get a real winter, the contrast between white land, yellow sand and blue sea can be a great photographic opportunity. Especially if the hard people of Torry are taking their New Year dip!!
Okay, even we must admit that cold rain and wind can make getting out doors a bleak prospect on some days. So don’t! This is a great time for exploring the museums and visitor centres dotted along our coast. One recommendation is the Scottish Lighthouse museum, at Fraserburgh which marks the boundary of the East Grampian and Moray Coastlines. As well as fascinating exhibits it also has one of the best views for a café anywhere.
For wildlife, winter can be a trying time. However we should remember that most of our coastal wildlife is here because of the warmth!! Sadly, most birds lose their summer plumage so look quite plain in the winter. One visitor does save its best coat for us though; in summer the long tailed duck is quite drab and very much designed for hiding, but in winter it shows off. Long tailed ducks like shallow sandy bays, with Peterhead harbour and Aberdeen bay being hot spots. Look when the sea is calm.
More intriguingly the largest creature to visit our shores seems to be turning up in winter. The text books say that the Humpback Whale spends its summers in the north and winters in the tropical south. However, they seem to be being seen more and more during the winter months. We have already had one seen in late November. If you see a large whale, blowing a plume of bushy spray into the air then call Ian at EGCP, not for any scientific or management reason, just I would like to see one!
Lastly I would like to make a suggestion, each year we all make new years resolution, and fail to keep them; this year why not promise to do something different? Here are a few suggestions;
1 Enjoy your coast, if you do not use it you will lose it
2 Visit Fowlsheugh in early summer and Loch of Strathbeg in the autumn
3 Watch the dolphins at Aberdeen Harbour, and let us know when you see them
4 Don’t drop litter; you might even decide to take part in a beach clean
5 Watch Barnacles underwater, at least once but probably best to wait until the sea is a bit/lot warmer than now
Highlights Archive
Winter Highlights 2007