Craiglethy facts for kids
Craiglethy is a tiny island or skerry (a small, rocky island) located off the coast of Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It sits in the North Sea, near a place called Fowlsheugh. Its name comes from the Scottish Gaelic words Creag Liathach, which mean "grey rock."
Craiglethy is special because it's part of the Fowlsheugh area, which is a SSSI. This means it's a protected area important for its wildlife. Many seabirds and seals make their home on and around Craiglethy. It's also one of the few islands found along Scotland's east coast, besides places like Mugdrum Island, Inchcape, and the Islands of the Forth.
What Makes Craiglethy Special?
Craiglethy is a very important place for nature. Because it's part of a SSSI, it helps protect many different kinds of animals. You can often see lots of seabirds nesting on its cliffs. Seals also like to rest on its rocky shores. This protection helps these animals thrive in their natural home.
A Look at the Past
The area around Craiglethy has a long and interesting history. People have lived here for thousands of years! Not far from the island, there are places that show signs of human activity from the Bronze Age. The Bronze Age was a time long ago when people used bronze to make tools and weapons. These sites are called archaeological sites, which means they are places where scientists study the past by digging up old objects.
You can also find many historic buildings nearby. These include famous castles like Dunnottar Castle, which is a dramatic ruin on a clifftop. Other important historical sites are Stonehaven Tolbooth, Muchalls Castle, and Fiddes Castle. These places tell us a lot about how people lived in Scotland many centuries ago.