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Islands of the Forth


These small internationally protected islands are havens for wildlife. Boats trips are available from North Berwick, or enjoy excellent views from the coast. They also have literary and lighthouse links! The engineers responsible for the lighthouses on the islands of the Forth were from the same Stevenson family as Scots writer Robert Louis Stevenson.


• Bass Rock


Described by David Attenborough as ‘spectacular’ and ‘perfection’. This volcanic plug is the world’s largest single rock gannetry. It is home to tens of thousands of gannets that turn the rock white in summer with their sheer numbers. Seals, whales and dolphins are also regularly seen in the area.


• Fidra, Craigleith and Lamb


These islands are also the result of ancient volcanic activity. The islands support colonies of seabirds, particularly puffins, and seals regularly pop up their heads to see what you’re up to. Fidra is a true treasure island! It inspired Robert Louis Stevenson in his famous book of the same name.


• Isle of May National Nature Reserve


This National Nature Reserve is heaving with nesting seabirds and is one of the best places to see puffins. The May is also a regular haunt for grey seals, often seen hauled out on the shoreline rocks. Further inland you’ll find a carpet of wild flowers. This island is a historical gem and it’s been a place of pilgrimage for centuries with an early island monastery.


For boat trips:


Tel: 01620 890202 www.seabird.org Tel: 01620 880770 www.sulaboattrips.co.uk


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99. Hopetoun Monument


The Hopetoun Monument, erected in 1824 in memory of John Hope, sits on top of the Garleton Hills above Haddington and dominates the skyline for miles around. A path runs from a small car park at the base of the hill winding up steeply through wooded slopes and a corridor of gorse before coming out onto the open hilltop. Climb the 132 steps of the monument’s dark spiral staircase to reach a platform. The views are superb: the Firth of Forth and Fife, Edinburgh and the Pentland Hills to the west, and the Lammermuir Hills to the south.


Postcode: EH41 3SJ Tel: 01620 827279 www.eastlothian.gov.uk


88. Tantallon Castle


A formidable stronghold set on the top of cliffs in a dramatic and wild location. Climb to the top of the battlements and enjoy spectacular views over the Firth of Forth. Tantallon Castle was the seat of the Douglas family, one of the most powerful baronial families in Scotland. Tantallon served as a noble fortification for more than three centuries and endured three sieges, the last by Oliver Cromwell’s army. The mighty stone curtain wall, the best 14th-century castle architecture anywhere in Scotland, gives tremendous views to the Bass Rock with its colony of gannets.


Admission charge. Summer 1 April - 30 September, 9.30am to 5.30pm Winter 1 October - 31 March, 9.30am to 4.30pm.


Postcode: EH39 5PN Tel: 01620 892727 www.historic-scotland.gov.uk


10 Flag Heritage Centre 10


The St Andrew’s Cross, or Saltire, is Scotland’s national flag. Tradition has it that the flag, the oldest in Europe and the Commonwealth, originated in a battle fought near the village of Athelstaneford in 832AD. An army of Scots and Picts under King Angus, faced by a larger force of Saxons, were inspired to victory when the cross of St Andrew appeared in the sky above the fighting. Enjoy an audio-visual dramatisation of the event in the Flag Heritage Centre which lies behind Athelstaneford Church and occupies a lectern doocot built in 1583, and restored in 1996.


Open daily, 9.00am and 6.00pm from Apr - Oct, and on 30 Nov (St Andrew’s Day).


Postcode: EH39 5BE Tel: 01620 880297 www.scottishflagtrust.com


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