Scotland:Firth of Forth
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Latest Information
There is talk of development of the derelict and silted Bo'ness Dock into a marina. (summer 2006),
There is also talk of the filling-in of Charlestown Harbour for a housing development. (summer 2006),
Plans have been made to restore the old port of Culross. (summer 2006)
General
The Forth is a fine cruising area for craft able to take the ground as many of the harbours dry out. Of course the fin-keeled skipper can always find a wall to lie against. The Forth has two Marinas; Port Edgar and Anstruther but there are only two places (Granton and Port Edgar Marina) where he/she may make fast to pontoons and remain afloat throughout the tide. There are numerous anchorages, some in the lee of the islands (‘inches’ as they are known locally) so the dinghy will get plenty of use.
Approaches
The Forth presents few difficulties to yachts. It has the lights and buoyage befitting the requirements of commercial activity. The buoyage begins at Fairway but the careful yacht navigator may choose to stay outside the channels, thus avoiding the commercial vessels.
Charts
Imray c27
Weather
Winds from NW round to SE can cause swell to enter the lower Forth resulting in surging in the affected harbours.
Major ports
Leith, Burntisland, Rosyth and Grangemouth are busy commercial docks where yachts are unwelcome and will not normally go. Pittenweem is a busy commercial fishing port where you may use the outer drying harbour only.
Marinas
Anstruther Marina, Port Edgar Marina
Harbours
Dunbar, North Berwick, Cockenzie, Fisherrow, Newhaven, Granton, Cramond, Queensferry, Bo'ness, Charlestown, Brucehaven, Dalgety Bay, Aberdour, Kircaldy, Dysart, Methil, Elie, St Monans and Crail.
Anchorages
Aberdour, Aberlady Bay, Barnhill Bay, Blackness, Cramond Island (3), Downing Point, Fidra (2), Fisherrow, Hound Point, Inchcolm (3), Inchkieth (2), Inchmickery (2), Isle of May, Kinghorn, Largo, Peatdraught Bay, Port Laing, Seacliffe,
Pontoon diesel
Granton and Port Edgar Marina only
Sailing Clubs
Cramond Boat Club, Dalgety Bay Sailing Club, Forth Corinthian Yacht Club, Lothian Yacht Club, Royal Forth Yacht Club,
Places and things to see
Bass Rock. Situated SE Firth of Forth, 2.5M NE of North Berwick. This is the ancient core of a volcano! Offers no shelter but is a 'must' to observe at close quarters with deep water all round. Most of the upper ledges are crammed with pairs of bickering Gannets and their arrivals and departures make for a busy scene. The rock once housed political and religious prisoners. The rock is private with no landing, however a tripper boat operates from North Berwick.
Landing is possible at Inchcolm - for a fee. Enjoy the history and a lovely picnic spot. Choose from three anchorages.
The Royal Burgh of Culross is a fascinating visit. See www.culross.org It is ‘one of the oldest ports in Scotland’. The harbour is derelict at present but restoration is planned. For the harbour to be accessible to yachts that can take the bottom, the approach which is long, shallow and strewn with isolated rocks, will have to be cleared and marked.
Meanwhile the route to Culross is by bus from Charlestown or Brucehaven to Dunfirmline bus station and change buses. Coast path not possible due to military land. see www.culross.org
Andrew Carnegie birthplace and museum (Dunfirmline)
The Falkirk Wheel
Edinburgh City + Leith (Britannia)
Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway
Hopetoun House (close to Port Edgar)
Blackness Castle
Forth Rail Bridge
Kincardine Bridge (largest swing bridge ever built. A new bridge is being constructed now. Dec 2006)
