A group of islands that includes spectacular nature reserves, a spooky 15th-century prison and even the rumour of hidden ancient Egyptian treasure, the Firth of Forth is an area of outstanding natural beauty with a fascinating history. Located within driving distance of The Balmoral and best explored by boat, here’s what to look out for on a sailing trip around the islands.
Setting sail from Port Edgar, the journey begins in the shadow of the iconic Forth Bridges, which tower above you as drift out into the estuary. Then, rising up out of the waters, you’ll be met by the stark sight of Inchgarvie island, its weather-blasted fortifications an austere reminder of its history fending off everyone from pirates and Vikings to German forces during both World Wars. Meaning ‘rough island’ in Gaelic, it’s now an RSPB nature reserve and there are some great opportunities for bird watching around its shores.
Sailing further out towards the North Sea, you’ll stumble upon Inchgarvie’s littlest sister, Inchmickery. This tiny, uninhabited island was the setting for Scottish writer Iain Bank’s novel, Complicity. From here, see if you can spot the sweeping curve of Inchcolm and its beautiful medieval abbey.
Continuing along the coast, The Lamb has perhaps the most unusual story of all the islands. In 2009, this unassuming rock was bought by celebrity psychic Uri Geller, who was convinced that it held ancient Egyptian buried treasure.
The most famous of the islands, Bass Rock can be heard almost before it’s seen, thanks to the constant swirl of seabirds that surround it. Its sheer rocky cliffs once made it the perfect prison, used by Cromwell as a convenient place to lock up Royalists. Peppered with deep, dark caves, with a single white lighthouse at its centre, Bass Rock is famous for its enormous population of over 150,000 gannets—a truly unforgettable sight.
Explore the Islands of the Forth of Firth abroad a luxury boat on an incredible Scone & Crombie Sea Experience with Ossian. To reserve, email adventure@ossian.co or call +(44) 0131 240 6978.
Paris is always a good idea. Except, perhaps, when it’s hosting the Olympic Summer Games, and the usual tourist throng looks set to multiply almost prohibitively. Of course, the Games are exciting, but if wading through crowds feels like a marathon effort, try a cultural relay around one of these stunning European cities instead.
As the gentle glow of each ornate chandelier begins to dim, a hush descends upon the audience before an all-consuming world of tragedy and triumph unfolds. Both exhilarating and deeply moving, a night at the opera has the distinct power to evoke emotion, while offering a unique insight into a perhaps unfamiliar city.
Journey through Europe’s symphony of unmissable opera houses, each steeped in history and grandeur.
They say the lobby is the beating heart of any hotel; where first impressions linger, inspiring journeys begin and end, and friends and lovers reunite. Upon entering Hotel de Rome, an immediate sense of calm is restored, as light pours in from the glass atrium and plants and palms breathe new life into the space. Olga Polizzi, Director of Design at Rocco Forte Hotels, shares her inspiration behind the hotel lobby’s new look.
