Scotland 2019 11: Isle of May

Harriet and I were both very keen to visit the Isle of May, even though - being the end of August - it was well outside the "puffin" season.  Access to the island is provided either by ferry, the May Princess, or a small inflatable boat, the Osprey.  We chose the latter as it gave us longer on the island, as well as being capable of getting closer to the shoreline in order to observe the birds and seals.  The sailing times are dictated by the tides, and this particular trip lasted from 9am to 2pm.

The crossing can be rough (see later), so everyone is provided with a full set of waterproofs.

The waterproofs weren't really needed on the outward journey, as the sea was almost completely calm.  The next three pictures show Anstruther, the ferry boat and a view across the Firth of Forth with Bass Rock in the distance.

There was a distinct sense of anticipation as we approach the Isle of May.

Osprey is capable of getting very close to the cliffs when the conditions are right, which they were on the day we visited.  Sadly, being so late in the season, the number of nesting birds was actually very small.

The Isle of May itself is a working Nature Reserve, with a small population of scientists living in the old lighthouse.

The central part of the island had a couple of small freshwater lakes and lots of wild flowers, some of which were still flowering.

The island is also home to lots of rabbits, and we saw a couple along with their burrows.

The majority of the burrows belonged to the (now departed) puffins, and the next couple of pictures give some idea of how many there are and their proximity to the path.  It must be absolutely astonishing to walk through the burrow area when they are occupied by breeding birds.  We definitely need to re-visit at a better time of year.

By 1pm it was time to catch the tide and leave the island.

Although the sea looks calm and benevolent in the picture above, we were warned that it might be "a bit choppy" on the way back to Anstruther.  The Scottish art of under-statement.  Osprey bounced along the waves, showering us with copious quantities of sea-water; and, as a result, it seemed a good idea to keep my camera within a sealed (but not very waterproof) bag.  No pictures of the return journey, in other words, but suffice it to say that both of us were soaked and frozen by the time we got back to Anstruther.  A good excuse to visit the café in the Scottish Fisheries Museum for a rather belated (and very welcome) lunch.