Scottish family sells historic Bass Rock to protect 100,000 gannets for future generations

A Scottish noble family has sold Bass Rock and neighbouring Craigleith island to the RSPB after 320 years of ownership, to ensure better protection for one of the world's most important seabird colonies.

The islands, located in the Firth of Forth, are home to around 100,000 gannets and 10,000 puffins. Sir David Attenborough once described Bass Rock as one of the 12 wildlife wonders of the world.

Sir Hew Dalrymple made the decision after recognising that conservation experts would be better equipped to protect the birds amid rising threats to Scottish seabirds. "I thought an organisation like the RSPB would be better equipped to protect the islands and their wildlife than a private individual," he told reporters.

The RSPB purchased the islands for around £540,000 with support from National Heritage Memorial and Lottery funds. The Dalrymple family had previously worked with the Scottish Seabird Centre to grow the puffin colony to five-figure numbers and remove invasive species.

The islands will now be protected as seabird sanctuaries for future generations.