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The Bass Rock - 'The East syde of the Bass'
This sea-view of the Bass Rock has Tantallon Castle on the distant shore. The outline of the fortress is to the left of centre on the rock.
Image from Theatrum Scotiae by John Slezer, 1693.
Is a little Island within the Forth, about a Mile distant from the South Shore. The Prospects of it sufficiently testifie how difficult the Access to it is.
Upon the Top of this Island there is a Spring, which sufficiently furnishes the Garrison with Water; and there is a Pasturage for Twenty or Thirty Sheep.
'Tis also famous for the great Flocks of Fowls, which resort thither in the Months of May and June, the Surface of it being almost covered with their Nests, Eggs and young Birds. The most delicious amongst these different Sorts of wild Fowl, is the Soaling Goose, and the Kittie Waicke. There is only one Island more in the West of Scotland, called Ailsey, where these Geese do breed; and from these two Places the Country is furnished with them, during the Months of July and August.
This Island of the Basse was an old Possession of the Family of Lauder, and in King Charles II's Reign it was bought and annexed to the Crown.
