Ailsa Craig Ecological Clerk of Works

Kays Curling required ecological oversight to support granite extraction works on Ailsa Craig, a remote island off the coast of South Ayrshire. The project involved the erection of temporary infrastructure including bridges and welfare accommodation, all within a highly sensitive ecological setting.

Ailsa Craig is designated both as a Special Protection Area (SPA) and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), recognised for its internationally important seabird populations and unique invertebrate communities. The planning conditions for the works demanded rigorous environmental management and ecological monitoring to ensure the protection of these habitats throughout the project.

Our ecologists provided Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) support to fulfil planning conditions and safeguard the island’s protected features. Our ECoWs delivered a comprehensive package of services tailored to the site’s sensitivities and the nature of the works. 

We developed and implemented detailed Environmental Management Plans and Seal Mitigation Plans, ensuring that all activities were carried out in accordance with best practice and regulatory requirements. A key priority was preventing the reintroduction of rats to the island—a threat that could devastate the seabird population. Our team oversaw strict biosecurity protocols, including thorough inspections of all vessels prior to landing, additional security measures to prevent accidental transit, and the deployment of a network of monitoring stations across the island. These stations were regularly checked for any signs of rodent activity. 

In parallel, we conducted ornithological surveys to monitor the impact of the works on nesting birds and their habitats. Grey seals, which haul out on the island, were also observed under a watching brief to ensure no disturbance occurred during construction activities. 

We supported the planning process by managing the discharge of conditions with South Ayrshire Council, ensuring that all ecological requirements were met and documented. 

The project was delivered within a tight timeframe, with no ecological incidents reported. The successful implementation of biosecurity measures has helped protect the island’s thriving seabird colony, which includes puffins, northern gannets, razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars, and peregrine falcons.