Seacliff Harbour

This tiny harbour, reputed (and refuted) to be the smallest in Scotland, was hewn out of bare rock in 1890, by use only of a steam engine and compressor, by the owner, Andrew Laidley. This view shows the winding gear for the dock gate (now absent), with Tantallon Castle in the background.

It is till in use today; we observed the boat on the water and subsequently in the harbour (missing the actual entry while our backs were turned), the skipper then driving his 4x4 (parked incongruously on the rocks next to the harbour) across the rocky shore and over the beach as he left.

This visit, coming so soon after our U3A geology trip of last Thursday, allowed us to observe similar rock structures at our own pace, while noticing the wildlife - goldfinches, swallows, a pied wagtail nestling, several cormorants, and, with the aid of binoculars, gave us a fine view of the Bass Rock gannets whirling and diving for their dinner.

We may return; the tide was at its highest, which, although still allowing access to the Gugan (the rocky structure in which the harbour sits), prevented our walking further north to Oxroad Bay; also we would like to see the ruins of Auldhame Castle and of Seacliff House. Indeed, there is much to see on this part of the coast.