Tuesday 5 February 2013

Loch of Strathbeg.

Our nearest RSPB bird reserve.  About twenty minutes from Fraserburgh, ten from our house.  (Bit longer on the bike for the Dawn Patroller)


The Loch was created by the shifting sand dunes many, many years ago.  Until then it was a busy harbour!  You will see on the map to the right, Old Rattray.  This was a bustling fishing village, but as the harbour was no longer useable, indeed one boat was trapped in the Loch following the great storm which sealed it up. everyone left.  There is still a ruined church, St.Mary's Chapel.



The main way in to Strathbeg is from the village of Crimond.


The church has a very strange clock, it has 61 minutes on it.



The Lord's My Shepherd, 23rd psalm was set to music by Jessie S. Irvine, a daughter of the parish priest in 1872.
Her most famous tune is Crimond, which is best known as one of the most popular[1] settings for the (paraphrased) words of Psalm 23: "The Lord's my shepherd". It is believed that Irvine wrote the tune while still in her teens, as an exercise for an organ class she was attending.[2]Wikepedia.


Every year thousands of pink footed geese arrive to spend the winter.  As they go out in the morning to feed, many pass over our house and their calls are magical.  Also on the repeat journey back home to roost.



Part of the management team at Strathbeg are a herd of Konik horses.  Originally from Poland they help the manage the wetlands.



The Loch also has a fairly regular visitor - a white tailed eagle.  Plus lots and lots more visitors of the feathered kind.  Check out the web site if you want to see the latest updates.


Beyond the Loch, over the dunes, is this fantastic beach.

I met with the Publicity person on Monday and we have much in common!  Both passionate about our area, the Loch and the Lighthouse.  So lots of planning.  Why do I do this?!  (its  better than vacuuming.)









5 comments:

rusty duck said...

Oh, wonderful! Love those geese.

Having been to Shetland (and Nairn) I know there are some beautiful beaches up there, but that one is superb. Could be in the Caribbean. Maybe until you put your toe in the water.

Much better than vacuuming.

Anonymous said...

How interesting - thanks for showing this to us. When I saw the name Crimond, I immediately thought of the hymn tune. And how interesting about the Loch being cut off. I can see why you're passionate about the place!

Annie Cholewa said...

Oh wow, that last picture, it's stunning Jill, and what a marvellous beach!

BadPenny said...

A sixty one minute clock !? Just imagine adding all those extra minutes & what could be done in them !
Lovely post Jill ablout a beautiful area.... definitely better than vacuuming !

Anonymous said...

oh my gosh how beautiful, you have beauty all around you,