Chanonry Point
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Chanonry Point lies at the end of Chanonry Ness, a spit of land extending into the Moray Firth between Fortrose and Rosemarkie on the Black Isle, Scotland.
Chanonry Point is reputed to be one of the best spots in the UK to view Bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus from the land [1]. The dolphins are often visible off Chanonry point, particularly on an incoming tide when they play and fish in the strong currents. Other wildlife, including porpoise and grey seals can also regularly be spotted. European otters Lutra lutra are occasional visitors.
Chanonry Point is home to two camping and caravan sites towards the north whilst much of the land towards the extremity of point is taken up by Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club. A lighthouse situated at the tip of the point was designed by Alan Stevenson and was first lit in 1846[2]. The lighthouse has been fully automated since 1984 and is now privately owned.
The death of Coinneach Odhar, more commonly known as the Brahan Seer, is commemorated by a memorial stone on the spot not far from where he is reputed to have been brutally executed. A smaller stone, on the Fortrose and Rosemarkie golf course, is more likely to have been the actual site of his burning in a barrel of tar.
Setting for a Novel Chanonry Point and its surrounding area comprise the backdrop for a novel called "The Chanonry Encounter" -- written by Scottish-American author Steve Cameron. The premise of the book, considered an environmental mystery, involves contact and communication between local dolphins -- hoping to warn mankind of dangers to the Earth -- and an unlikely trio of people, including a former international television reporter and an 11-year-old girl. The novel contains the story of the Brahan Seer and other local legends -- among them, the fact that the Black Isle is neither black nor an isle. "The Chanonry Encounter" introduces a local dolphin called Spike as the story's main character. Ironically, there is a real-life animal nicknamed Spike among the Moray Firth's colony of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Researchers from the University of Aberdeen field station have named many of the area's Cetaceans from their fin markings and other characteristics.
Watching Dolphins at the Point While bottlenose dolphins can been seen off the point throughout the year chances of seeing them increase when their food supply increases. The peak times being when salmon are returning towards the two main rivers which feed into the Moray Firth, these being the Ness and Beauly. The salmon come in with the tidal current which once the tide starts to come in can be extreme. If planning a trip, find tide details and pick days with midday low tides with the largest difference between low and high tide (spring tides, avoid the neap tides). An unofficial jungle telegraph system appears round the Rosemarkie campsite and point in June and on into August with details of the latest sightings only a brief conversation away. The University of Aberdeen operates a more formal range of surveys throughout the year from their field station based just along the coast at Cromarty, supported by funds from the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society. While the point is without doubt the best place to watch the Dolphins, licenced boat trips do run from Cromarty and Avoch. The nearby Dolphin and Seal Centre at North Kessock also offers good dolphin watching opportunities during the summer months.
Photographing Dolphins at the Point The best lighting for photography of bottlenose dolphins at the point is had in mid summer, from late afternoon onwards. While early morning light is good, the direction of the point risks looking directly into the sun. The point has been featured in recent years on a wide range of television programmes, including the BBC's Coast series and nature programmes. These have greatly increased visitor numbers to the point. The wildlife requires no special equipment, but those looking for serious photography should pack a fast 200mm to 300mm lens. See Coast (TV series).
Getting There Driving to the point, while possible should be avoided on peak days, as parking space is limited. A path runs along the Rosemarkie side where more space is available. Allow 20 minutes walking time. The path arrives at the point, if you do drive though, you will need to walk round to the point following the path between two cottages. The lighthouse grounds are private and the walls dangerous. There are not toilets at the point. Also to be noted that the point is exposed and offers little shelter even in summer.
[edit] References
3. "The Chanonry Encounter," Tronach Head Publishing Group LLC. Copyright Steve Cameron 2007. Library of Congress Control Number 2007906387. ISBN-13 978-0-9799346-0-5.
[edit] External links
- Chanonry Point on undiscoveredscotland.co.uk
- Finding Dolphins in Scotland
- Dolphin Pictures and a Movie at Chanonry Point
- Aberdeen University Lighthouse field station
- Dolphin Gallery
- WDCS
- Moray Firth Wildlife Centre
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