The Riveras in Edinburgh: North Berwick

Back in the spring, when my parents visited, I promised a post about North Berwick, a charming little seaside village we visited and fell in love with.

Bass Rock

North Berwick is located just a short train ride outside Edinburgh, along the Firth of Forth and the North Sea. According to some history I read, North Berwick has quite a history: there is evidence of a small settlement dating back 2000 years and some evidence that there was activity in the harbor as long ago as the 8th century. The village was first recorded in the 13th century.

View from the train

North Berwick Beach

Once you alight from the train, you can meander through this quaint little town and visit the shops and cafes that line the quiet streets. At the end of the main street, you'll find a famous fish and chips shop, purported to be one of the best in all of Scotland. You can take your fish to go and eat is a delightful garden across the way.

Looking back onto the village and North Berwick Law
(the big hill in the background)

Garden where you can eat your fish and chips

North Berwick is home to other kinds of birds too!

The main attraction at North Berwick, however, is Bass Rock. This small island is situated about 1 mile off the shore in the middle of the sea and is home to literally thousands of gannets (large white birds). The rock, a typical volanic rock (rising over 350 feet), looks white from a distance due to the masses of birds making their home on it. Apparently, it was once the home of a Christian hermit, was the site on an important castle, and was a prison before being home to these birds! There is still a lighthouse and the remains of a chapel on the island and, depending on the season, you can take a boat out and explore small sections of the island.

Bass Rock