Late June 2019–Port Edgar, South Queensferry and Edinburgh

4th June – Tues – To Port Edgar, Queensferry, Nr Edinburgh

We are making our way to Queensferry to be near Edinburgh to catch the train home for our brother-in-law Julian’s 70th birthday party.  Ordinarily sailors tend to pass the Forth of Firth and head straight to Arbroath from Eyemouth.  We are glad we took the detour. 

The alarm was set for 03.40am as our French neighbour, whom we were rafted onto, insisted he needed to start his 160 mile journey at 4.00am.  So we thought we might as well set off then too and arrive at Port Edgar, Queensferry in good time.  It was a very cold morning but even at that time we had decent visibility.  As the day became brighter we passed North Berwick, Torness Power Station and Dunbar, before we arrived at Bass Rock.

  

The incredible sight of the thousands of Gannets swooping, diving and darting around the rock is a sight that will stay with us for many years.  We took around 2 hours to fully pass it, enjoying the different aspects as we sailed by.  The next large rock in contrast was almost deserted.  Location, location, location…. for the well-healed Gannet.

The Firth of Forth was a beautiful end to the day.  We did not see any other sailing boats and really enjoyed the sail, culminating in the 3 bridges.  The Forth Rail Bridge (above), The Forth Road Bridge and the New Forth Crossing.

Seals sunning themselves on a buoy in the Firth of Forth.

We saw several seals, a dolphin and more puffins as the day became brighter, and we arrived in Port Edgar at 13:15 after 9 and a half hours and 50.4nm. 

Queensferry

Port Edgar is nestled between the rail and road bridges and is a 10 minute walk into town.  Over the next couple of days we had a good look around Queensferry.  As its name suggests it was the location of the Queens Ferry. 

The old street layout, houses built above street level and 17th century buildings all lend themselves to the ambience of the ancient town.

 

We walked along the sea front to the south of the Forth bridge.  There are lots of cafes, restaurants and shops catering to the large number of tourists.  We saw cruise ships and several coach loads, marvelling at the bridges.

There is a small free museum in the council offices, which has some unusual items, including this guy.

The Burry Man.  Literally a suit covered in Burrs which is worn by some poor soul once a year for the Burryman’s Parade, a summer festival.  Ouch!

7th June – Friday - Home from Edinburgh

We caught the bus in Queensferry (every half hour, £2.70 per person single).  On the bus we met a lady who takes cruise tours around the city.  We said we had a few hours to kill and she recommended the National Museum of Scotland.  After breakfast on the Royal Mile, the clouds started to gather so we made our way to the museum. 

Passing ‘The Elephant House’, ‘Birthplace of Harry Potter’ as it says in the window.  We only noticed it due to the amount of tourists taking photos.

Wow, we were not disappointed.  The national Museum of Scotland is a treat and free to enter.  It is based around this beautifully restored atrium, and has large display rooms leading from it on every level.  The museum displays the history and inventiveness of Scotland and its people.  For example:-

Boulton and Watts original Steam engine, still working!

Actual ‘Dolly the Sheep’ looking remarkably well, all things considered!  It was amazing seeing several foreign tourists all recognise her and say ‘Dolly’ in varying accents.  She is quite the star.

We spent 3 hours in here and missed the cloud burst, before heading to the station.

Home for two weeks

The main event was Julian's 70th Birthday and it was a very jolly and successful affair.  9 piece Reggae and Ska band ‘Pepper Jam’, Yummy Nanwiches from ‘Go Get Stuffed’ courtesy of Adrian and Ella, Bouncy Castle, Candy Floss, Face Painting etc by Joe and Angela and lots of fun from the assembled friends and family.

Rare brother and Two Sisters photo.  Jackie, Mick and Annette.

The Birthday Boy giving his emotional and heartfelt speech.  Good time had by all.

We also managed to fit in One Choir and Uke concert, 2 Uke sessions, 1 W.I. Trip, 1 Craft n Chat night, a trip to Longridge, a lovely day out to Hawes with Liz, and a trip to the Lakes.  Phew.

21st June – Friday – Back to Queensferry

We returned on the train and arrived back in time to hike up the hill to Tesco’s, as we had no supplies.

22nd June – Saturday

Our friends Iain and Irene travelled from the West Coast by train for a visit.  We have not seen them properly since we finished work so time for a good catch-up.  After a walk from the station to see the Bridges and the town, we went for lunch in the Orocco Pier Hotel, which has great views of the bridges.

Prime window seat with a view.

After lunch we strolled to the boat for a brew.  The Marina at Port Edgar has a couple of good shops and a Scott’s restaurant, so plenty to see.  It was really great to see them both and we hope to catch up with them on the West Coast, whenever we get there.

Sailors Port Info: Port Edgar Marina

The tide can run at 5 knots in the Firth of Forth, so care must be taken on the entry into the Port.  There is a well documented Tyre Wall floating near the entrance which must be passed on the West hand side.

The cost is £32 per night, but as we were leaving the boat we paid a monthly rate, which worked out cheaper.  We were told that the marina was quite full and they were expecting a group of 31 boats to arrive at the end of June, so my plans for visiting Holyrood and more of Edinburgh were scuppered for now.

There is a Scotmid Coop in town, and a Tesco up the hill (The Loan) approx 25 mins walk.  Wifi Poor.  Facilities were very disappointing, located in Portacabins, a good walk from the boat.  Good hairdryer, but poor drainage, and the lights kept going off!!!

A relatively new Scotts Restaurant has been opened (like Largs and Troon), which should bring in more visitors.  There is a high end clothing and chandlery shop, antiques emporium and many water sport activities to be had on site.