AROUND THE FORTH From your base at Granton, you can explore some inspiring places. West of Granton As soon as you turn west, you will see one of Scotland's most iconic landmarks – the Forth Bridge was the world's first major steel bridge when it was completed in 1890, and is now a world heritage site. Recognisable by its complex structure and red paint, it is joined by two more modern road bridges. These three span three centuries, and tower over you as you navigate the narrows at Queensferry. They represent the best of design, engineering and construction in their time. Serving as key infrastructure links for Scotland, the bridges are free and accessible for everyone to enjoy. The Forth Bridge is the largest listed building in Britain and offers a maximum air draft of 44m. Details at http://www.forth-bridges.co.uk/ Queensferry has long been a crossing and gathering point, and is named for Mary Queen of Scots, who used this spot to make her journeys between palaces at Dunfermline (Scotland's ancient capital, and resting place of King Robert the Bruce) and Edinburgh. South Queensferry is a royal burgh (established 1636), and has its own Queensferry Museum, including memories of Andrew Carnegie the philanthropist who was born there. Full marine services are available at Port Edgar, formerly a naval minesweeping base, and located between the Road Bridges. It can be reached by sea, train or taxi. West of the bridges, you will pass Rosyth dockyard, where the Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers are being assembled, and then a huge oil refinery at Grangemouth.
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Beyond that, you can sail through the Forth & Clyde Canal to the Clyde Estuary, West Coast and Atlantic, take the Falkirk Wheel (the world’s only rotating boat lift) or cruise into the heart of Edinburgh. See the magnificent Kelpies sculpture or wander a unique and tranquil path through some of Scotland’s most densely populated areas. North of Granton Aberdour is a picturesque seaside town in Fife, home to two beautiful beaches, a harbour, castle, golf course and a choice of traditional pubs and shops. Silver Sands beach attracts watersports enthusiasts, walkers and families looking to relax on a sunny day. Aberdour’s main attraction is its delightful little harbour, and a 13th century fortified castle. East of Granton Dunbar, at the mouth of the Firth of Forth, is one of East Lothian's most beautiful & popular seaside towns. Dunbar is packed full of local independent businesses which helps maintain its diversity and distinctive character. It is known internationally as the birthplace of John Muir, renowned naturalist & conservationist, who is celebrated at his Birthplace museum. Dunbar’s secure harbour is home to an RNLI Offshore lifeboat, and a fishing fleet landing mainly shellfish. The earliest of the three harbours dates from 1710, and Dunbar was once a major herring and whaling port. The old castle walls host the UK's most accesible Kittiwake colony and, if you're lucky, you may also see Sammy, the resident friendly seal, who spends his time swimming around the harbour hoping for a fish supper from the fishermen.