Isle of May National Nature Reserve

The island now serves as an important research centre for breeding seabirds, such as puffins, guillemots and razorbills, as well as the grey seals that pup here in autumn.

The reserve's wildlife are also stars of the big screen. A remote controlled camera on the island beams live pictures to the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick

Location

The Isle of May lies about 7-8 kilometres off shore, south east of Kilrenny.

Grid reference: NT649991

Wildlife Highlights The Isle of May is a long rocky island with sheer cliffs and caves. It is home to thousands of grey seals, the fourth largest breeding group in the UK, who feed in the rich kelp forests surrounding the island. It is most famous for its seabirds, over 200,000 of them, which include shags, puffins, terns, guillemots, razorbills, eider ducks, gulls, kittiwakes and fulmars. The huge west cliffs are teeming with seabirds in summer.

how to visit

2008

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) welcome boat trips to the island from April until the 30 September and SNH do not charge for visiting. The island has a visitor centre and marked paths covering the island. The May Princess boat operator from Anstruther runs trips every day of the week, except Tuesdays, during the season and has a knowledgeable crew who can talk about the island and its wildlife. Return tickets cost £17 for adults, £15 concessions, £8 under 16s with under 3s going free plus there is a family ticket for two adults and two children of £44. It is advised to reserve your ticket in advance but if preferred tickets can be bought on the day. As the boat has to leave at different times due to the tides it is best to phone the boat operator at Anstruther on 01333 310103 for details or visit www.isleofmayferry.com