The Isle of May lies just five miles off the coast of Fife, in the mouth of the Firth of Forth, and is one of the most important puffin colonies in the UK. From April to early August, thousands of puffins nest in the grassy slopes above the cliffs, and visitors can get remarkably close as the birds return to burrows with beaks full of sand eels. It’s a compact island with rich wildlife, fascinating history, and big skies, all just a short boat trip from the mainland.

Access is by passenger boat from Anstruther or North Berwick, with sailings dependent on weather and tides. Most trips include around 2.5 to 3 hours on the island, which is enough time to explore the trails, visit the visitor centre, and spend plenty of time with the puffins. Paths are well maintained and lead past puffin colonies, rocky outcrops filled with guillemots and razorbills, and views across to the Scottish coastline.

There are no shops or cafés, so bring food, water, and layers. The mix of seabird spectacle and peaceful island atmosphere makes the Isle of May a perfect day trip for nature lovers and photographers alike.