Isle of May
This year, there are a number of special events planned to celebrate the Year of Natural Scotland, eight special days from April to September will celebrate John Muir, look at the island’s seabirds and seals, help visitors discover the historic lighthouse and all the stories which surround it, and enjoy a new arts day.
David Pickett, the Isle of May reserve manager, said: “The Isle of May is a wonderful place to see seabirds and sea, and it’s certainly the best place in Scotland to see puffins. The island is a world dominated by birds and seals, a bit of role reversal from what we’re used to and an amazing experience. We hope to see lots of people out this year, enjoying all the sights and enjoying our special events.”
History buffs can find out about the special U-boat detecting equipment used on the May, the lighthouse disaster, how researchers identify individual seals, and where puffins go in winter.
It’s free to visit the nature reserve, but you must take a boat trip to reach the island. Open Day sailings are on the privately-run May Princess or Osprey of Anstruther from the Anstruther Harbour or through the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick.
Anstruther, for tickets and details, call 07957 585 200 (Anstruther Pleasure Cruises/May Princess), or call Colin Murray on 07966 926 254 (Osprey of Anstruther).
North Berwick, call the Scottish Seabird Centre on 01620 890 202.
Known locally as ‘The May’, this small island sits on the edge of the Firth of Forth. The island’s importance for sea birds has drawn scientists to its shores for many years and the May is home to the oldest continuously running bird observatory in the UK. The May is also a regular haunt for grey seals, often seen lounging on the shoreline rocks. This island is a historical gem and it’s been a place of pilgrimage for centuries with an early island monastery. The May was also the site of Scotland’s very first lighthouse, built in 1636, while the current, castle-like lighthouse was designed by the engineer Robert Stevenson.