New look for island bird centre

This image, taken circa 1912, shows the family of the engineer who constructed the lighthouse at Rathlin's Westlight, where the centre is located.

It has been there since 1978 and now the Royal Society for the Protection of Bird's Westlight centre on Rathlin has had a facelift.

The island off the Antrim coast is a haven for nesting seabirds and over the last 30 years it has risen in popularity as a spot for bird-watchers.

The number of visiting twitchers has soared from 1,000 to about 11,000 over the years and the seabird centre has had a much needed refit.

After an investment of almost £270,000 it now features new information panels, a new toilet block and improvements to the viewing platform.

RSPB staff and volunteers at the newly refurbished centre

RSPB Northern Ireland Director Aidan Lonergan said it was a spectacular site.

"For those not familiar with the Westlight, the RSPB Seabird Centre is situated 300 feet up a 600 foot cliff and the bird spectacle at such close quarters is amongst the best on these islands," he said.

"The view includes thousands of seabirds including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, fulmars, as well as ravens and peregrines."

The RSPB's centre is based at the West Lighthouse on the island, which became operational in 1917.

He said support from islanders had ensured the reserve has gone from strength to strength.