Everything about Fidra totally explained
Fidra, archaically
Fidrey, is an uninhabited island in the
Firth of Forth, off eastern
Scotland. Its name is believed to be
Old Norse in origin, referring to the large number of bird feathers found there as (like the nearby
Bass Rock) it has a substantial avian population. It is now an
RSPB reserve. The town of
North Berwick lies to the south-east,
Gullane is to the south-west and the nature reserve of
Yellowcraigs and village of
Dirleton, to which parish Fidra belongs, are to the south.
Upon the island are ruins of an old chapel, or
lazaretto for the sick, which was dedicated in 1165 to St. Nicholas.
Fidra can be landed on via a primitive jetty on the west of the island. There is an automated lighthouse and also remotely operated cameras which send live pictures to the watching visitors at the
Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick.
Cultural references
It is said that
Robert Louis Stevenson based his map of
Treasure Island on the shape of Fidra. He often visited the beaches at the area known today as Yellowcraigs. He also mentioned it in his novel
Catriona
Fidra Books is a publishing house, named after the island, and which uses it as part of its logo.
Marillion also briefly mention Fidra in the song,
Warm Wet Circles, where it says "She nervously undressed in the dancing beams of the Fidra Lighthouse", because apparently the coast nearby is a courting spot.
Geography
Fidra consists of three sections, a hill at one end with the lighthouse on it, a low lying section in the middle, effectively an
isthmus, and a stack at the other end.
Like the other islands near
North Berwick, Fidra is the result of volcanic activity millions of years ago.
Lighthouse
The light like all others in the UK is currently automated (since 1970), and flashes every 24 seconds. It was built in 1885.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Fidra'.
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