AILSA CRAIG
The island of Ailsa Craig is a spectacular landmark rising straight out of the sea to 1100ft (338 meters) 9 miles off the Ayrshire coast. It is the home for the third largest gannet colony in the world and is historically important as a source of granite for the manufacture of world famous curling stones. To seafarers approaching the Clyde it is affectionately referred to as Paddy's Milestone.
Access
Ailsa Craig is a spectacular Island to sail around and day trips can be organized with boat operators at Girvan. Independent visitors need to be prepared for the remoteness of the Island, the difficulty of landing and departure during inclement weather or heavy seas, and the absence of power or any other public services on the Island if they get into difficulties. Visitors attempting to land on the island also need to note that the owner does not own the pier or the lighthouse buildings or infrastructure and that some of these structures are in a dilapidated state and can present a hazard to visitors. The landscape is of an open nature and any paths - such as they exist - tend to be poorly defined, steep, and slippery in places. The slopes leading down from the high ground to the top of the surrounding cliffs can be exceedingly hazardous at times. The public's right to land on the Island remains unrestricted but visitors are also asked to respect the island's wildlife and its seabird colony especially during the seabird-nesting season between 1 April and 30 September. To make the most of their visit, visitors are asked to follow the advice of RSPB, advisory signage on the island, and advice contained in literature supplied through the Estate Office and local Tourist Offices and other outlets on the mainland.
The owner's binding undertakings
The owners have undertaken to:- I. Take reasonable steps for the maintenance of the property and the preservation of its character and for securing reasonable access to the public, in pursuance of which agree to observe the requirements and objectives contained in the said Schedules A and B hereto and to publicise, further to the requirements in such respect in the said Schedule B, the provision of public access by: (a) providing, at no more than reasonable cost, a copy of the undertaking, omitting their name, to any member of the public who requests it, and; (b) providing a copy of the undertaking, with the omission as at 1(a) above, for publication by the Inland Revenue in whole or in part and with any adaptation of format as they decide. II. Prepare a Heritage Management Plan for the designated area to the satisfaction of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and undertake to revise an…