12:50Saturday
06 February 201600:07Friday 05 February 2016
A
coastal nature reserve at the most northern point of the British mainland which
is home to thousands of breeding seabirds has been bought by a wildlife
charity.
RSPB
Scotland has purchased the 40-acre site at Dunnet Head, Caithness, in the Highlands
after receiving a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The
charity, which has been managing the site for nearly eight years, said the
purchase will ensure the "seabird city" is looked after for
generations to come.
The
spot boasts 300ft-high cliffs and is home to thousands of birds such as
puffins, guillemots, razorbills, fulmars and kittiwakes.
RSPB
Scotland site manager Dave Jones said: "Dunnet Head really is an amazing
place.
"The
views across to Orkney are absolutely stunning, but for us the most important
aspect is the breeding seabirds and the opportunity this site gives visitors to
see these charismatic birds.
"Many
of our seabird species are in serious decline, so it is crucial that their
breeding sites are properly protected."
Dunnet
Head nature reserve lies about 13 miles east of Thurso and overlooks the
Pentland Firth.
