While visiting my Dad in the north of Scotland at the weekend, my wife and I made a visit to Brough Bay on Dunnet Head where there is a seal colony !
Its not a very well advertised spot, but I know of it as I'm from the area, and the Bay itself is stunning.
When we got there, there was 8 of them lying on the end of the pier having a nice sleep !
The Bay is quite quaint, and was an old fishing station, probably from the Herring fishing days around 100 years ago. Herring was big business in the far north of Scotland at that time, but they got over fished.
Its quite a stunning bay and looks out over the Pentland Firth (which is in the North Atlantic) towards the Orkney Islands. There is a beautiful sea stack out in the bay.
I understand that there is a seal colony close to here further along the coast. I'm not exactly sure where, but you can always see some in this beautiful little bay.
I tried making the panorama above on my phone, with some limited success !
The seals were aware we were there and were keeping an eye on us, but did not scarper off as they must be used to seeing humans come down to see them each day. As said, its not well known, but it does get visitors.
And the above sign was up on the pier to help guide those that might come to see them.
There was also a group of cormorants out on the rocks far out around the edge of the bay. They are lovely birds that swim underwater to catch fish. After a good fishing session they will sun themselves on the rocks to dry out.
There was also a lot of gulls around the northern end of the Bay. The land you see in the background is the Orkney Islands - and specifically the Island of Hoy.
The seal in the picture above is having a good old stretch !
We really enjoyed our trip to see the seals, and its such a stunning location. We tend to go every time we are up in the north, and we are usually the only people there, which is great, considering that it is just off a fairly major tourist route (the north coast 500) and easy to get to. I'd recommend it, but it you go please do follow the guidance and dont disturb the seals !
