Friday 7^th January comments: It is that time of year again when you look outside and the lighter nights are starting to arrive (honest they are!) So we are sure many of you have started planning holidays, short-breaks or even day visits to local attractions in the spring and summer but have you ever considered the Isle of May?

The Isle of May is a national nature reserve owned and managed by NatureScot and is one of the most accessible and spectacular seabird reserves in the country. Boats depart from Fife and Lothian throughout the summer months (see below for links to the various licenced boat operators) and once you’ve paid the boat fare, the island is free to access!

The island is home to thousands of seabirds including the largest east coast Puffin colony (we have over 40,000 PAIRS of Puffins) and home to Grey Seals. If you are really lucky you may even encounter Harbour Porpoise or Bottle-nosed Dolphins and it’s not uncommon to see Minke Whales in late summer. As well as wildlife we have history dating back to early Christianity and an impressive ‘Stevenson’ Lighthouse which is free to enter and climb to the top (if Covid restrictions allow access). However if you just want a stroll across a spectacular island, then we’ve got the place for you…

The island opens from 1^st April-30^th September and boats sail almost daily weather dependent.  To visit the Isle of May, you can book boat journeys on-line at the various boat companies (see below)

Licenced Boat Operators 2022

May Princess (depart from Anstruther):  https://www.isleofmayferry.com/

Osprey rib (depart from Anstruther) https://www.isleofmayboattrips.co.uk/

Seabird Centre rib (departs from North Berwick): https://seabird-centre.seafari-edinburgh.co.uk/forth-ferry-and-isle-of-may

Bluewild rib (departs from Dunbar): https://www.bluewild.co.uk/boat-tours/