Busy tourist island reopens after going into mini-lockdown

A TOURIST island has reopened after it was forced to close following a devastating outbreak of bird flu.

Atlantic puffins flock to the Isle of May National Nature Reserve (NNR) in the outer Firth of Forth each year for the breeding season.

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Throughout spring, the island is home to more than 80,000 pairs of birds nesting, including more than 40,000 puffins.

The high west cliffs are home to guillemots, razorbills, shags and kittiwakes, while more than 1,200 female eider ducks nest across the reserve.

But it was forced to close for five weeks last July and August to help protect the seabird populations from the avian flu epidemic, which was confirmed in seven different species, including puffins.

Among the worst affected were kittiwakes as the island lost around 500 of the birds.

From today, boat operators will once again be sailing to the National Nature Reserve.

Visitors to the Isle of May will be asked to use disinfectant foot baths on departing mainland harbours and arriving on the island, and to stay on designated paths as they enjoy their visit.

NatureScot reserve manager David Steel said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming people back to enjoy the Isle of May, which is a really magical place in spring as thousands of seabirds return to this important wildlife reserve.

“It was heartbreaking to see the impact that avian flu had on colonies around our coasts last year and while a difficult decision, closing the island was the right thing to do to protect our seabirds.

“While we don’t yet know what impact the virus has had on the birds that nest here, we hope that this will be a better year for them. We ask that visitors help us to help them by following the biosecurity measures that will be in place, and would like to thank boat operators for their support in implementing this.”

The Isle of May can be accessed from both the Fife and Lothian coasts and will remain open until the end of September.

Access to the island is free, but there are boat charges to get there.

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