Isle of May, Nature reserve island in Firth of Forth, Scotland
Isle of May is a nature reserve island in the Firth of Forth off the coast of Scotland, rising from the sea with steep cliffs. Seabirds nest on these rock faces and across the open ground throughout the year.
The island held a monastery founded in the 9th century that attracted royal pilgrims for centuries. This religious era came to an end around the 16th century.
The lighthouse built in 1816 stands as a landmark that tells of the island's role in guiding ships through these waters. Today, visitors walk past this structure and understand how important this place was for maritime navigation.
Reaching the island requires taking a boat from Anstruther harbor, which only runs when weather permits. Most boat trips operate during the warmer months when conditions are most favorable.
Each summer, more than 200,000 seabirds including puffins and kittiwakes arrive to breed on the island. This predator-free sanctuary makes it one of the most important nesting grounds for these species in the region.
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