Bass Rock

I've been in Edinburgh for nearly 9 years now. I've always known that my Dad would love a trip out to Bass Rock to see the gannets but their visits have never coincided with the right season or a chance to stay overnight. Finally it did so I arranged to take them on a boat trip.

Our morning began with a trip to Morningside so mum could visit a camera shop and a trip to Loopy Lorna's new premises at Church Hill Theatre. We then collected The Boy and headed East. When we arrived at North Berwick Harbour, I honestly would have been happy just spending the day there watching the Jellyfish as there were thousands! I've seen them washed up on beaches before but never (other than in an aquarium) seen them (attempting) swimming. It appears they're also good at shutting down powerplants However, we weren't there to see the jellyfish.

We donned our waterproofs and life belts before boarding a RIB (Rigid inflatable boat) and setting out at high speed for Craigleith island. There were so many puffins (and other sea birds). I find puffins to be funny little birds, with their colourful beaks and odd little bodies, yet beautiful at the same time.

From there we headed out towards Bass Rock. Once there was grass on the top of the Island but now it is completely engulfed with gannets vying for the best nesting site. There were a few other birds, kittiwakes, shags, guilliemots but nothing in comparison to the gannets. We were also lucky enough to see a few seals playing by some caves.

It was a fantastic day and we finished it with a wander along the canal for dinner at Zizzis.

Some other photos can be seen here