Copinsay

The reserve comprises the uninhabited main island of Copinsay, three smaller islets of Corn Holm, Ward Holm, Black Holm and the Horse of Copinsay. Copinsay is mainly covered in grass, with 10 ha of arable, hay and pasture managed as cover for corncrake. There are fine colonies of oysterplant and sea aster on the islands.

More than 1,000 pairs of fulmars nest on Copinsay, which has nearly a mile of vertical cliffs up to 76 metres high.

There is a vast seabird colony on the cliffs, with around 20,000 guillemots, 700 razorbills, 600 puffins and about 4,500 pairs of kittiwakes. Black guillemots and shags also nest here and there are great black-backed gull colonies.

Several hundred Arctic terns may nest on the islands and there are eiders, twites, wheatears and ravens on Copinsay in the breeding season. In autumn, a colony of around 2,000 grey seals comes ashore to pup.

Copinsay was bought as a memorial to the naturalist James Fisher.

Contact information

East Scotland Regional Office
10 Albyn Terrace
Aberdeen
AB10 1YP
Telephone: 01224 624824

Map

Important note

This site is one of several that due to its size, location and/or conservation sensitivity is not capable of accommodating visitors (unless stated).

Where possible, we have indicated the nearest equivalent RSPB nature reserve suitable for visiting. If you require further information, please use the contact details provided.

This does not affect any statutory rights of access under CROW or SOAC legislation.

Nearby reserves

About the RSPB

The RSPB speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten our environment. We rely upon memberships and donations to fund our work. Nature is amazing - help us keep it that way. More...

Contact us

Visit our Contact us section for telephone numbers, office addresses and more.

Latest news

It could be all Wight on the night

A rare wildflower is boosting the chances of an Isle of Wight farmer winning the first national award for wildlife-friendly farming.

Spoonbill scoop for Scotland

A pair of spoonbills have successfully bred for the first time in Scotland and for only the second time in the UK in the last four centuries.

Hard choices at Titchwell

The RSPB has been forced to take radical action to save one of its best-loved reserves from the sea.

More news...

Add your voice for nature

As a charity, we rely on the support of members to continue our work protecting birds and wildlife.

Join now from only £2.84/month.

Free e-newsletter

Over 200,000 people enjoy our monthly e-mail newsletter.

Why not sign up?