Not all those who wander are lost
Date published 11 March, 2019
The Island of Instruction
The picture is of Cramond Island.
Cramond is one of those bits of Edinburgh you might miss. And you ought not to. The Firth of Forth does have a good collection of Islands, each with their own story.
Cramond Island has the added feature of access by causeway at low tide. The causeway is a bit dramatic, with its concrete teeth, and it is a fair walk to the Island. Who doesn't love a causeway? And yes, from time to time people to get marooned on the Island despite warnings and tide tables!
There is not much on the Island now, apart from a sense of adventure, and a detachment from everything. You do get a view of the Edinburgh bridges, though - a surprisingly good view. We particularly love the new bridge - it has a curiously engineering beauty about it. The island had some World War II defences - a few bunkers and gun mounting points. Before the war it was variously used on occasions by shepherds and game shooters. It was even a holiday vacation in the 1800's.
It is, however, worth a wander out there.
The first day we walked through Cramond we planned to do just that, but we learned a lesson. It was a decent afternoon, with a hint of chill in the wind, but a hope of warmth in the sun. Absolutely no need at all to be weighed down with coats, I am sure you will agree.
About level with the causeway the gentle rain started to lightly dampen enthusiasm. As we walked back, our step quickened, but not as effectively as the rainfall. We were more soaked than if we had waded out to the island, frankly.
In Scotland, you carry a coat. We know that. You know that.
And a deserted Island in the Firth will always remind us how cold and wet you will be when you don't.
We are happy snappers!
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