Walk through wartime history on the Isle of May

Now better known as a national nature reserve, owned and managed by Scottish Natural Heritage, the Isle of May was once of great strategic and military importance.

During World War II, it was known as HMS May Island, reflecting its role as home to Royal Naval personnel who monitored vessels in the Forth estuary. In World War I, it served as a signalling and telegraphy post.

Ron Morris, a local historian, has spent many years researching the history of the island’s wartime role and will be leading the walks.

He said, “Until I started my research, very little was known about the island’s role as HMS May Island. But I got some information from a few of the ex-servicemen who were posted there and uncovered some secrets about the island’s war years. Some of the buildings used during the wars remain on the island, so we’ll visit them as part of the walks.”

David Steel, SNH reserve manager added, “The Isle of May is well-known for wonderful wildlife - its breeding seabirds and grey seals - but its military past is just as fascinating. We’re delighted that Ron has agreed to share his incredible knowledge about the Isle of May in the war years.”

The guided walks are free, but you must take a boat trip to reach the island. 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