Site of the Month: Killantringan Bay (August 2022)

During the sunny days of summer, you may be thinking of visiting a beach? In south west Scotland we are spoilt for choice, but on the Rhins of Galloway peninsula, Killantringan Bay, together with the adjoining Knock and Broadsea Bays, provides more than three kilometres of quiet sandy beaches intermingled with rocky outcrops and coastal grassland.

The wildlife here is not well recorded, but SWSEIC has been working with the Solway Firth Partnership to help you explore and record the Rhins. Offshore, Common Porpoises Phocoena phocoena are frequently seen. Other whales and dolphins, as well as Basking Sharks Cetorhinus maximus, are also possible. Gannets Morus bassanus, from the nearby nesting colonies on Ailsa Craig and Scar Rocks, constantly patrol the shore, and large rafts of Eiders Somateria mollissima have been noted in late summer and autumn. Onshore, look for Sea Holly Eryngium maritimum on the beach and the beautiful Grass-of-Parnassus Parnassia palustris in damp flushes, whilst amongst the insect life, Bloody-nosed Beetle Timarcha tenebricosa has been recorded nearby, at one of its few Scottish localities. The beetle gets its name from the red liquid it secretes when threatened.

Easiest access (except at high tide) is from Killantringan Lighthouse, to the north of Portpatrick, but the Rhins of Galloway Coast Path is currently working to improve access to the stunning scenery, magnificent wildlife and fascinating heritage along the entire coastline.

Peter Norman

SWSEIC Project Officer