OS grid reference NK108380 Sovereign state United Kingdom Postcode district AB42 Dialling code 01779 Lieutenancy area Aberdeenshire | Country Scotland Post town PETERHEAD Police Scottish Council area Aberdeenshire UK parliament constituency Banff and Buchan | |
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Address A975, Peterhead AB42 0NS, UK Hours Open today ยท Open 24 hoursMondayOpen 24 hoursTuesdayOpen 24 hoursWednesdayOpen 24 hoursThursdayOpen 24 hoursFridayOpen 24 hoursSaturdayOpen 24 hoursSundayOpen 24 hours Scottish parliament Banffshire and Buchan Coast Similar New Slains Castle, Johnston Gardens, Pitmedden Garden, Storybook Glen, The Tolbooth - Aberdeen | ||
Bullers of buchan 22nd june 2014
The name Bullers of Buchan refers both to a collapsed sea cave and to the adjacent village, situated about 6 miles (9.7 km) south of Peterhead in Buchan, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
Contents
Cave
The collapsed sea cave forms an almost circular chasm (the "pot") some 30 metres (98 ft) deep, where the sea rushes in through a natural archway.
Village
The small hamlet of cottages here is also known by the same name, and was historically a fishing village launching small boats from the bay below (the slipway may still be seen at low tide).
Cliffs
The cliffs at the Bullers provide a nesting site in spring for colonies of seabirds, including kittiwakes, puffins, fulmars, shags, razorbills and guillemots along with herring gulls and great black-backed gulls. Eider ducks may also be seen here, and gannets are frequently seen passing en route to their colonies north at Troup Head and south at Bass Rock. Grey seals may be seen in the bay, and dolphins are often seen passing by offshore.
Access
The area is a popular sightseeing spot, with a car park but no tourist facilities. Access is via the A975 road, which is served by a regular bus service between Peterhead and Aberdeen.
The Bullers of Buchan lie on the Buchan coastal footpath, leading south to Slains Castle, Cruden Bay and Whinnyfold, and north to the Longhaven wildlife reserve.
Name
The name "Bullers" has been thought to be derived from the French "bouillir", meaning "to boil", as the water in the pot appears to boil during stormy weather, but another explanation says that the word is a Scots word meaning "rushing of water", relating to the sound made by the waves crashing in through the archway opening into the pot, perhaps.
History
The local area is rich with prehistory and historical features. Somewhat inland are a number of prehistoric monuments including Catto Long Barrow, Silver Cairn and numerous tumuli. In that same vicinity of the Laeca Burn watershed is the point d'appui of historic battles between invading Danes and indigenous Picts.
The Bullers of Buchan were cited in historical literature as early as the 18th century, most notably by the literary journalist James Boswell.