Isle of Whithorn

Many thanks to The Steam Packet Inn for facilitating this camera's location and to The Scottish Environment Protection Agency for capitally funding its installation. The Farson streaming webcam is strategically positioned to observe tidal breaches during storms, high tides, and potential flooding in the village. The village's primary focal point remains the harbor, which accommodates the Isle's own fleet engaged in light trawling and lobster fishing. Additionally, the harbor serves as a mooring spot for leisure craft and has increasingly become a popular stopover for pleasure traffic along the west coast. It is also utilized as a launching site for trailer-based craft such as small angling boats and diving RIBs.The pier in the village has a historical significance, with its initial construction dating back to the 16th century. However, a more substantial structure was erected in 1790 to facilitate commerce, including trade with Whitehaven and other English ports. In 1969, the pier suffered severe damage from a storm and was only rebuilt following a prolonged campaign by local residents. The perch, a rocky reef extending from the west side of the Isle bay, poses a hazard to incoming vessels. For many years, the end of the perch was marked by an iron pole.During the 19th century, the Isle of Whithorn had significant trade connections with Ireland and the Isle of Man, with shipbuilding and sailing activities taking place in the village. The steam packet Countess of Galloway regularly operated between the Isle and Liverpool. However, by the end of the 20th century, commercial vessels had largely been replaced by yachts and other leisure craft.The Isle of Whithorn, also known as Port Rosnait in Gaelic, is among the southernmost villages and seaports in Scotland. It is situated on the northeast coast of Burrow Head, approximately three miles from Whithorn and thirteen miles south of Wigtown in Dumfries and Galloway. It is important to note that the Isle of Whithorn is often incorrectly associated or confused with Whithorn (Taigh Mhàrtainn in Gaelic), a former royal burgh in Wigtownshire, Dumfries and Galloway. Locally, the village is commonly referred to as "The Isle" and not "the Isle of Whithorn."The village is home to the ruined 13th-century Saint Ninian's Chapel, which was once connected to Whithorn Priory and served as a stopping point for pilgrims arriving at Isle Head and continuing their journey to Whithorn. Although it is no longer a true island, historical maps by John Ainslie from as late as 1782 and 1821 depict the Isle as an island. The main street was originally a causeway, and the harbor was situated on the actual island at that time.The Isle of Whithorn has a rich history of human habitation. Surveys conducted between the village and Saint Ninian's Chapel have revealed Clearance cairns, cultivation furrows, and the remains of a rectangular building on the hill west of the chapel. There are possible steps leading downhill towards the east. Several scenes from the 1973 horror film "The Wicker Man" were filmed in and around the Isle of Whithorn, including the climax of the movie, which took place at St Ninian's Cave and on the clifftops at Burrow Head. Elizabeth McAdam Laughland, co-owner of the Isle of Whithorn castle, along with other local residents, featured in various scenes of the film.