14 July, 2016
Fun for all the family on the Isle of May
For fun things to do during the school holidays, look no further than the Isle of May national nature reserve. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is hosting two days of activities on the island, including crafts, a treasure hunt, storytelling, ceilidh music and face painting. And for those who come in sea-themed fancy dress, there’s a chance to win a prize.
The events will be held on Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 July.
David Steel, SNH reserve manager said, “We’re excited to invite families to come to our fun days. We’ve got all sorts of activities lined up. If we’re lucky, our mascot Piper the Puffin will make an appearance. Also, if you’re over the age of eight, bring your camera and enter our photo competition – we’ve got exclusive prizes up for grabs.”
On Wednesday, the 27th, the island will form part of the Fèis Rois ceilidh trail, which gives young people aged 16 – 25 the chance to learn about life as a professional touring artist. On the Isle of May, they will be entertaining visitors by playing traditional and contemporary Scots folk music.
It’s free to come to the family days, but you must book a boat to reach the island. Timings for the events are dependent on sailing times. 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, see www.isleofmayferry.com (May Princess) or www.isleofmayboattrips.co.uk (RIB Osprey).
- North Berwick - For tickets and details, book online on the Scottish Seabird Centre website at www.seabird.org or call 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 seabirds 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.
ENDS
Contact information
- Name
- SNH Media
- snhmedia@snh.gov.uk
NatureScot is Scotland's nature agency. Responding to the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, we work to protect and restore nature by inspiring everyone to value our natural world. Our goal is a nature-rich, net-zero future for Scotland. For more information, visit our website at www.nature.scot
'S e buidheann nàdair na h-Alba a th’ ann an NàdarAlba. Bidh sinn a’ gleidheadh agus a’ slànachadh nàdar le bhith a’ brosnachadh a h-uile duine gu spèis a chur air an t-saoghal nàdarra againn, agus sinn a’ freagairt air an dà chùis-èiginn de chall bith-iomadachd ’s atharrachadh na gnàth-shìde. ’S e ar n-amas nàdar beairteach ’s cothromachadh carboin do dh’Alba. Airson an tuilleadh fiosrachaidh, thoiribh sùil air an làraich-lìn againn aig www.nature.scot
