Tantallon - North Berwick Coast.

A decision had to be made, where do we go for this years family holiday? After last years rather wet fiasco at Scarborough somewhere different was the order of the day. Although North Berwick was quite near, the campsite to the south of the town was highly recommended and therefore not far for everyone to travel. It also enabled us to see all our family members during the period we were there. 

The town it self is a rather attractive Victorian seaside resort with long sandy beaches, three golf courses and a small harbour. An easy walk from the camp site across the golf course and along the shore. An opportunity we were happy to take especially on the Saturday to visit the open air market along the harbour side.

Tantallon Caravan Park is situated over looking the Firth of Forth between Craigleith and the majestic Bass Rock and is one of the Meadowhead group of campsites. The facilities and cleanliness of the site is second to none with a great team of staff that are both helpful and friendly. We were so impressed with the site we have already booked a return visit later in the year.

Its always great to spend some time with the family and the highlights of which are as follows: 

Sula Boat Trip.

Our first adventure was a cruise around the island of Craigleith which is home to various breeding pairs of birds including  Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes and Shags. We were then taken to circle the magnificent Bass Rock where you get a close up view of the largest colony of Northern Gannets the world. Also you get a close up look at the 66 feet Lighthouse built in 1902 by David Stevenson and unmanned since 1988. 

Originally a fortress, the remnants of the building next to the lighthouse was turned into a prison in the 17th century. In 1691 Jacobite prisoners seized the fortress in the name of the exiled King James while their captors were unloading a delivery of coal. Reinforced and supplied by the French, and provided with a ship with which they plundered passing boats. Finally surrendering in 1664 having secured ‘most honourable terms’. The fort was demolished in 1701.

Commentary is on going through out the 90 minute trip. Our return journey to North Berwick Harbour took us along the coast past Tantallon Castle and Gin Head which has some interesting history of its own. 

“Gin Head Radar Station and Research Establishment was built on the five-acre site in North Berwick in 1943 by the Admiralty who was responsible for the command of the Royal Navy until 1964.The complex was used by scientists to test and develop radar systems for use by the Royal Navy as well as evaluating captured German radar equipment.

The scientists based at this research facility developed innovative and novel technologies that convinced the German High Command that the Allies were going to invade Pas-De-Calais on the strait of Dover on the 6th June 1944 instead of Normandy on D-Day.

The scientists also saved countless Allied lives by a technique devised by them called ‘window’. This technique involved Allied pilots dropping bundles of aluminium to deflect enemy radar signals – effectively jamming their stations.

The radar deployed at Gin Head enabled the Royal Air Force (RAF) to scramble fighter planes to ward of incoming attacks from the Luftwaffe.The complex was built to withstand sustained bombing, but such was the secrecy of the site that the German High Command never even knew it existed and thus it was never attacked.

The site continued to be in use after the war for radar testing until 1948 when the Royal Navy went on to decommission it”

We all enjoyed the trip greatly helped by the fact that the weather was beautiful and the sea very calm.  

Tantallon Castle.

My grandsons love to explore a castle and Tantallon Castle and its grounds are well worth your time. The day we went was again a grand day weather wise, so much so we could sit in the grounds and enjoy our piece along with cliff top views towards the Bass Rock. Which i must admit dominates this part of the Firth of Forth.

Dating back to 12th century and ordinary owed by William Douglas, one of the most powerful men in Scotland the castle has a long history. Following Oliver Cromwells invasion of Scotland in 1650 the castle was attacked on Cromwells orders and its days as a stronghold were then over but not before a visit from the well travelled Mary Queen of Scots in 1566. 

In 1699 the castle was sold to Sir Hew Dalrymple who did nothing to improve it. But it did find a new life as a tourist attraction. Its most famous tourist was Queen Victoria who visited the castle in 1878. It was Sir Walter Dalrymple who carried out repairs and landscaping before placing it in state hands in 1924. 

Seacliff Beach.

Voted the best beach on mainland Scotland, Seacliff is a privately owned. But part with a fiver and you can take your car down to one of its many car parks.

This hidden gem is largely unspoilt and is a great place to take the family on a lovely warm and sunny day. It was much appreciated by our grandchildren who could enjoy the simple pleasures of digging holes, building sand castles and playing in the sea. Again its location offered splendid views of the castle and Bass Rock.