Maritime Mondays tour of 52 Scottish lighthouses continues... 3. Bass Rock Bass Rock, often simply called The Bass, is a steep-sided volcanic plug about a mile off shore near North Berwick that reaches 351 feet above the water at its peak. It first gained fame in the 8th century as a retreat for early Christians, including Baldred, who would eventually be sainted. The island was given to the the Lauder family in the 11th century by King Malcolm III of Scotland. The Lauders remained lairds of Bass Rock for almost 600 years, building a castle and, above it, a chapel purportedly over St. Baldricks cell. They lost the island to Cromwells invasion, and, in 1671, the castle became a notorious gaol. The fortress was destroyed in 1701. The lighthouse was built partially from the stone of the ancient castle and lit in 1902. It was automated in 1988. Ruins of the castle and the chapel remain. Today, Bass Rock is famous for its bird life, including over 150,000 gannets. Only a limited number of visitors are allowed each year. Next week: feathers and treasure!
Posted on: Tue, 20 Jan 2015 07:47:30 +0000
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