Cramond Island

Cramond Island is a tidal island in the Firth of Forth near Edinburgh, extending about 300 meters in length and rising about 20 meters above sea level. It connects to the mainland through a causeway that becomes partially or completely submerged at high tide.

The island was fortified during World War II with bunkers, gun positions, and a causeway with concrete pillars designed to block submarines. These defenses show how important the Firth of Forth was to wartime strategy.

The island draws visitors who explore old military structures while taking in views of Edinburgh's skyline and the Forth bridges. People come here to experience military history firsthand while enjoying the setting of the water channel.

Access to the island depends on tide tables, as the causeway becomes flooded during high tide and blocks entry. Check tide forecasts and allow enough time to return safely before the next high tide arrives.

The causeway is built with distinctive concrete pillars stretching about 1,2 kilometers from shore to island and become clearly visible at low tide. These columns formed an unusual underwater barrier meant to prevent submarines from operating in shallow waters.

Location: City of Edinburgh

Elevation above the sea: 28 m

GPS coordinates: 55.99344,-3.28964

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:02