Bass Rock
in Great Britain

Bass Rock

Bass Rock is a steep-sided volcanic rock located in the Firth of Forth, off the east coast of Scotland. It is part of the Inner Forth Islands Special Protection Area and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its diverse birdlife. The island is roughly triangular in shape and is approximately 1.5 kilometres long and 0.5 kilometres wide.

The island is home to a large colony of gannets, with an estimated 150,000 birds, which makes it the largest gannet colony in the world. The island is also home to other seabirds such as puffins, razorbills, guillemots, fulmars, kittiwakes, and shags.

Bass Rock has a long and varied history. It is thought to have been inhabited by humans since prehistoric times. In the 6th century, it was home to a monastery, and in the 12th century, it was fortified and used as a prison. During the 16th century, the island was used as a base for privateers, and in the 17th century, it was used as a base for smuggling.

In the 19th century, Bass Rock was bought by the Grant family, who built a lighthouse on the island. The lighthouse is still in operation today. In the 20th century, the island was used as a naval base and during World War II, it was used as a base for Royal Navy vessels.

Today, Bass Rock is a popular tourist attraction, with visitors able to take boat trips around the island, as well as visit the lighthouse and observe the birdlife. It is also a popular spot for rock climbing, with the island’s sheer cliffs providing an excellent challenge for experienced climbers.

Experience Bass Rock with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Bass Rock. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.

The climate in Bass Rock

The climate in Bass Rock in Great Britain is generally mild with cool summers and mild winters. In the spring, temperatures range from 8-14°C with occasional showers. In the summer, temperatures usually reach between 18-21°C with plenty of sunshine. The autumn months tend to be quite wet and windy with temperatures between 10-14°C. In winter, temperatures can drop to below freezing with occasional snowfall and strong winds. Overall, the climate in Bass Rock is mild and temperate with plenty of sunshine and rainfall throughout the year.

Cruise weather for Bass Rock

Our weather forecast for Bass Rock helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.