Isle of May National Nature Reserve

Visit the Isle of May National Nature Reserve (NNR)

Anchored on the edge of the Firth of Forth, the Isle of May is a magical mix of sea birds, seals and smugglers. In early summer the cliffs are heaving with nesting sea birds in a noisy spectacle you can witness from the cliff top path. The island is also home to the unmistakeable puffin, a comical looking bird that dazzles visitors with its brightly coloured bill. There’s a dark past here though, with monks, Vikings and smugglers on the list of previous visitors.

The Isle of May is great place to walk, watch wildlife or see historical buildings. From April to July it comes alive with breeding birds.  Throughout the year there are seals around the island with numbers peaking in the Autumn. From August to September there is more freedom to explore its long human history.  A map is available showing the best bits to visit and giving a top ten things to do on the May.

For more information on visiting have a look at the NNR leaflet or the NNR website.