Cramond Island
Cramond Island is one of several islands that lie in the Firth of Forth in eastern Scotland, near Edinburgh. As its name implies, it lies off Cramond. It is one third of a mile (0.5 km) long and covers an area of 19 acres, and is currently part of the Dalmeny Estate. Strictly speaking it is not a true island at all, but a tidal island being connected to the mainland at low tide and also by a long causeway. This allows easy access to visitors wishing to cross over. The island lies approximately one mile from the shore, and this should be taken into account when crossing, as the tides can quickly change, leaving visitors stranded. It may be seen as forming part of the estuary of the River Almond whose mouth is near the landward end of the causeway.
History
There is archaeological evidence to suggest that the island may have had special significance to the prehistoric peoples who lived along the coast of the Firth of Forth, as at least one stone burial cist has been found there. Further excavations may reveal more about the human presence on the island.
As nearby Cramond was a Roman outpost, it is highly likely that it may have been used in some capacity by them. The Roman presence in Scotland was not particularly strong, but Cramond is one of the most archaeologically rich sites, along with Trimontium near Melrose.
Throughout most of its history, Cramond Island was used for farming, most likely sheep-farming, and perhaps served as a fishing outpost as well. The island was once famous for its oyster beds, but these were destroyed due to overfishing. In the north west corner of the island there are remains of a jetty built with local stone which could be medieval in origin, while towards the centre of the island, half-hidden by a small wood there is the ruin of a stone-built farmstead. It appears on an Ordnance Survey map of 1853, but may be considerably older. It was occupied until the 1930s and sheep were still kept on the island as late as the 1960s.
World War II
At the outbreak of war, Cramond Island, along with other islands in the Forth, was fortified to protect the coasts in the event of enemy warships entering the channel. A large number of these buildings still remain and can be explored by visitors. After crossing the causeway, the first structures that can be seen are the emplacements for a 75mm gun and its associated searchlight. More buildings can be found in the north east corner of the island, which include a variety of stores, shelters and gun emplacements, as well as two engine rooms that once contained all the equipment necessary to supply power to all the military installations on the island.
Further along the northern coast, low concrete stumps can be seen sticking out of the undergrowth, all that remain of the barracks that housed the garrison on the island.
On the western side there is small brick building, of unknown purpose. Nearby, perched precariously on the rocky shore is the ruin of a small square building which was used as an ammunition store during the war, though its stone construction suggests it is much older than either World War, possibly contemporary with the farmstead in the middle of the island.
Cramond Island today
The island remains a popular area of recreation for locals and visitors alike. Somewhat more controversially, Cramond Island has been used to host unofficial punk rock festivals with bands such as Oi Polloi attracting up to 300 people, the last one being held on 27th of August, 2006.
External links
- Tide Times Note that these are the tide times of Leith, for Cramond simply add 4 Minutes. It is safe to cross over to Cramond Island between 2 hours before and 2 hours after low tide.
- Island of Punk Website
- Island of Punk 2006