Scottish Seabird Centre members' magazine spring 2015

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wonders of nature Scottish Seabird Centre Members’ magazine

It’s official:

Bass Rock – the world’s largest Northern gannet colony 10 Winners of the Nature Photography Awards 16 Puffin Fest is back!

Scottish Seabird Centre and the environment Sustainability and the environment are at the heart of everything we do. We have produced this magazine in an environmentally-friendly way. However, to help further and to reduce costs, you can receive your magazine by email – just contact membership@seabird.org or call +44(0)1620 890202.

Also, sign up to our enewsletters to be kept up-to-date with our latest news. You can do this at www.seabird.org

News

05 News from around the Centre

Features

10 Nature Photography Awards 16 Puffin Fest 17 SOS Puffin 18 Great guillemots 20 National Marine Centre 22 Creatures of the Deep 32 Membership 34 South of Scotland Wild Festivals 36 Coastal Communities Museum 38 Party time 40 Professor Egghead and the Alien Invasion

Regulars

24 Gift Shop 26 Seabird Café 28 Volunteers 30 Boats 42 What’s on 44 Kids

Visit us

Find us

February, March, September and October Monday – Friday 10:00 –17:00 Saturday & Sunday 10:00 –17:30 April – August Monday – Sunday 10:00 –18:00 November – January Monday – Friday 10:00 –16:00 Saturday & Sunday 10:00 –17:00

Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS W: www.seabird.org E: info@seabird.org T: +44(0)1620 890202

Design: Various / www.various.uk.com

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Welcome from Tom Wonderful news! The Bass Rock is now the world’s largest Northern gannet colony! The Seabird team is delighted with this fantastic announcement. The gannets have been back for over a month now and we are all enjoying watching these amazing seabirds in their natural habitat on the interactive live cameras in the Discovery Centre.

As spring approaches we look forward to the return of the ‘clowns of the sea’. Puffin Fest will take place from 15 to 25 May and there will be a jam-packed programme featuring something for all ages.

Well done to all the winners of the Nature Photography Awards.

The standard was exceptional this year and the winners selected by the judges and the voting public are world-class.

We look forward to seeing you all at the Seabird Centre soon and – as ever – thank you for your continued and valuable support.

Tom Brock OBE Chief Executive

Update from Laura I can’t quite believe that it is time for another edition of our members’ magazine! We have another feature-filled edition for you with everything you need to know for the coming months.

Don’t miss the special offer for Musselburgh Racecourse on page 46 plus the chance to win with Gilsland Park on page 47.

Puffin Fest is a must for your diaries, as is a trip on our new Three Islands Seabird Seafari – it will be brilliant to cruise round the Lamb for the first time.

With it being the Year of Food and Drink there are lots of lovely treats to be had in the Seabird Café and with the chance to sit out on East Lothian’s only seaside sundeck, how can you resist?

Scottish Seabird Centre magazine

We have just celebrated as our members’ magazine was Highly Commended at the IoIC Scotland Awards! A huge thanks to everyone who contributes to the magazine and our designer Mick at Various Creative.

Laura Adamson Magazine Editor and Marketing Manager

04 Special thanks The Scottish Seabird Centre is an independent charity dedicated to inspiring people to appreciate and care for wildlife and the natural environment. Registered Scottish charity no.

SC025837. Registered in Scotland no. 172288.

Special thanks and editorial contributions

Our work would not be possible without support and funding from organisations, trusts and other donors, statutory and private. In this edition of the magazine we would like to say a special thanks to the following:

Editorial contributions This issue contains articles from three valued contributors.

East Lothian Council, Fisheries Lothian Advisory Group, Geraldine Kirkpatrick Charitable Trust, Grant Charitable Trust, Hugh Fraser Foundation, Lindsay Charitable Trust, Martin Connell Charitable Trust, Prince of Wales Charitable Foundation, Robertson Trust, Roger Vere Charitable Trust, Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Natural Heritage, Sea-Changers, Walker Group, William Haddon Charitable Trust.

Photography credits Images bring our magazine to life! We would like to say thanks to the following photographers: Laura Adamson, Sean Bell, Keith Broomfield, Peter Dolive, Paul Hackett, Moses Hoyt, Greg Macvean, Rob McDougall, Stuart Murray, David Shale / Nature Picture Library.

John Hunt John Hunt has worked in nature conservation for 38 years. From 1974 he was with the RSPB where he became head of their nature reserves in Scotland. From 1995 he was Programme Manager with the Millennium Forest for Scotland Trust, a lottery funded initiative supporting projects throughout Scotland to restore native woodlands for their conservation and community benefits. Following that he was Chairman of Borders Forest Trust. He is a Trustee of the Seabird Centre and coordinates and leads the SOS Puffin project which takes out volunteers to the islands to control the invasive plant called tree mallow. Read his article on page 17.

Erich Hoyt Erich Hoyt is author of 21 books for adults and children.

A research fellow for the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), he co-chairs the IUCN Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force which is helping to identify and protect important areas of the ocean through the Convention on Biological Diversity and other regional and international

Scottish Seabird Centre magazine

bodies. He is a long term supporter of the Seabird Centre and now lives in Dorset, England. Read his article on page 22.

Edinburgh Sketcher’s The Edinburgh Sketcher’s popularity is growing daily with a huge following for his blog and on social media. Famed for his amazing sketches of Edinburgh, the Seabird Centre has tempted him out to the coast to work in partnership on Puffin Fest. Also known as Mark Kirkham to his friends, the Edinburgh Sketcher has taken over our Kids’ pages in this edition with some exclusive puffin-inspired fun!

Check out his blog: http://edinburghsketcher.com/

05 News Here’s what we’ve been up to in recent months.

Lots of developments at the Centre!

News from around the Centre

Meet Penny Our Finance Manager, Penny Hand, joined us in June 2014 with a wealth of experience in retail, catering, business and financial management.

She now uses all these skills to look after the financial administration of the charity.

Penny has long been an advocate for conservation and sustainability – she also loves gardening, photography and art. Penny says: “I really enjoy my job at the Centre as I have the opportunity to work with, and contribute to, every team. As we are a close-knit operation, it was an easy transition starting my new role and I can’t quite believe I have been here nearly a year already.”

Litter harms wildlife – stamp it out!

Not that unusual a sentiment to be voiced by us, you might think, but we have taken it a ‘step’ further! Visitors to the Turtle & Ray Zone can now navigate their way through a flowing river projection by stamping on the litter, clearing the way for a variety of wildlife. As the rubbish is cleared, more fish, otters and turtles appear thanks to the valiant litter clearing exploits!

Scottish Seabird Centre magazine

06 News

News from around the Centre Sea-Changers support seal season We would like to say a huge thank-you to Sea-Changers, who supported our Seal Season activity at the end of 2014.

Sea-Changers is a registered charity working hard to address some of the threats the marine environment faces. Through innovative partnerships with marine businesses they raise thousands of pounds for marine conservation. One-hundred percent of the money raised is distributed to projects and charities around the UK where it can make the biggest difference to seas and shores.

To find out more visit: www.sea-changers.org.uk Cash for coins Following the article in our last members’ magazine, there has been tremendous support for our foreign and older currency appeal. Every coin makes a difference, so please continue to bring your unwanted and unusable currency to the Centre.

There is a donation box in the Gift Shop.

Every coin makes a difference!

Marine life in 3D Thanks to generous support of a key funder and the team at John Lewis, we now have a brand new 3D TV at the end of the Flyway Tunnel / entrance to the Turtle & Ray Zone! You can now experience Ocean Wonderland 3D – presented by Jean-Michel Cousteau. Ocean Wonderland 3D takes you on a stunning visual and sensorial diving adventure beneath the waves to the heart of the oceans: the coral reefs. Join the friendly host, Aris the turtle, and enter this magical and beautiful, yet endangered and fragile world, from Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to the Bahamas.

Discover the vast bio-diversity thriving there and the crucial role played by coral reefs within the marine ecosystem by providing a habitat and food for a wide variety of fish species, and maintaining the well-being of our planet; all in stunning high definition 3D!

Enter this magical and beautiful, yet endangered and fragile world.

Offshore Wind Farms in the Forth and Tay The Scottish Government has granted planning consent for four very large offshore wind farms to be located in the outer Forth and Tay estuaries.

These will comprise 335 turbines up to 200m high and objections have been raised by various organisations because of the risk they pose to seabirds and other wildlife.

The RSPB has submitted a legal challenge which will be heard in the Court of Session.

The Scottish Seabird Centre welcomes marine renewable developments in principle but is extremely concerned about the potential impacts of the

Scottish Seabird Centre magazine

Forth and Tay developments on the large number of internationally important seabird colonies in the vicinity.

Some impact projections predict unacceptable levels of fatalities and population declines. The Centre is very concerned that key decisions are being made when there are significant knowledge gaps.

We therefore call for relevant research to be undertaken to ensure that decisions are evidence based and risks to seabirds are minimised. Until this can be properly evaluated and fully demonstrated, we believe that the proposed Forth and Tay Developments should not proceed.

07 News

Bass Rock celebration

In February we were delighted to announce that a count of Northern gannets undertaken

by Stuart Murray, in conjunction with the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH), has shown that the Bass Rock is now the world’s largest colony.

In 2014, independent counts made by Stuart Murray and Mike Harris (CEH), with advice from Maggie Sheddan, the senior Bass Rock guide for the Scottish Seabird Centre, found 75,000 apparently occupied sites (AOS). This is an increase of 24% since a similar count made by Stuart Murray in 2009.

Stuart Murray said: “The colony was photographed from the air on 23 June 2014.

Conditions were excellent, with no wind and a high cover of thick cloud which obscured the sun, reducing the glare from all these startlingly white birds. The images were later viewed on computer screens for counting and each occupied site was blocked-out as it was counted.

“Interestingly, the most dramatic increase is between the old lighthouse keepers’ garden and the summit of the Rock.

We counted around 10,000 sites in this area compared with 6,500 five years ago.”

Sarah Wanless, from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, said: “Our long-term research on North Sea seabirds aims to understand how species such as the gannet will cope with the rapid pace of environmental change. This is our fifth census of the Bass Rock in the last 30 years.

“It is particularly heartening to see them doing so well when so many other seabirds in Scotland appear to be in trouble, however, the Bass Rock is a small island and the gannets have now filled most of the available nesting habitat.

The colony now has only very limited capacity for further increase.”

Tom Brock said: “Scotland is of international importance for seabirds and is home to over 60% of the world’s population of Northern gannets. The figure of 75,000 sites is phenomenal especially when many apparently occupied sites will represent a breeding pair and their chick. Every year the Bass Rock turns brilliant white with the sheer number of gannets crammed onto the Rock and not, as some people think, with their guano.

“While this is fantastic news we cannot ignore the fact that many seabirds are now under threat and as a conservation

Scottish Seabird Centre magazine

and education charity we will continue to work in partnership with other organisations across Scotland to undertake further research and appropriate action, where we can, to conserve Scotland’s amazing wildlife for future generations.”

On Tuesday 3 March, during a live twitter ceremony, the Bass Rock was named BBC Countryfile Magazine’s Nature Reserve of the Year. The Bass Rock was nominated by wildlife presenter, Chris Packham, who described ‘this gannet-capped island’ as the most exciting birding spectacle in the UK’.

Now in its fourth year, the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards are a celebration of the countryside and its people – from great heritage attractions and favourite holiday destinations, to the best nature reserves and the finest rural pubs. The 2014 /15 Awards launched in the January 2015 issue of the magazine followed by a hard-fought campaigning period during which time readers voted online, by email and post: voting closed on 31 January.

We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who voted!

08 Tom NewsBrock:

As a conservation and education charity we will continue to work in partnership with other organisations across Scotland.

Bass Rock facts:

. The Bass Rock was formed 320 million years ago and is the core of an old volcano . It has played a key role throughout Scottish history – a religious retreat during early Christianity; fortress and prison in the time of the Covenanters and Jacobites; and a strategic stronghold during the times of the Scottish and English wars . It has been owned by the HamiltonDalrymple family for the last 300 years . There is a lighthouse, built in 1902: the last keepers left in 1988 when the lighthouse was automated.

Gannet facts:

. First records of gannets on the Bass Rock date back to the 15th century . Gannets are Britain’s largest seabird, with a wing span of over 6ft / 1.8m . Gannets travel south for the winter, many travelling as far as the coast of West Africa . They can live for over 30 years . They have excellent eyesight and can spot schools of fish below the surface of the water and dive at speeds of up to 60mph / 96kmph.

10 Feature Thanks to everyone who voted in the Nature Photography Awards.

The winners have been revealed! Huge congratulations to everyone who was shortlisted and our overall winners who now have the opportunity to enjoy prizes including trips to the Isle of May National Nature Reserve with Lorne Gill; memberships for the Scottish Seabird Centre and Scottish Wildlife Trust; vouchers for Northshots Photography and day-long wildlife trips, courtesy of Isle of Mull Wildlife Expeditions.

In this edition of the magazine, we have a gallery of the judges’ winners, and there will be a gallery of the public’s selection in our autumn magazine. * In three of the categories, the same winner was selected by both the judges and the voting public.

Get the picture:

Nature Photography Award stars The judges’ winners: 01

Creative Visions of Nature Nel Murray from Tranent: Rockpool Creatures 02

Creative Visions of Nature Robin Tolladay from Dunbar: Liquid Trees

Environmental Impact Mostafa Dehqan from Iran: A Bad Green Bloom

Environmental Impact Peter Lewis from Peterhead: Safety Net

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Landscape Robin Tolladay from Dunbar: Which Way *

Landscape Robin Tolladay from Dunbar: Which Way *

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Scottish Wildlife Tom Langlands from Annan: Murmuration of Starlings

Scottish Wildlife Bob Humphreys from Aberdeenshire: Dolphin with Fish 05

World Flora Fiona Govan from Gorebridge: Red Campion 06

Worldwide Wildlife Steve Wrightson from Northumberland: Evening Bear 07

Junior under 12 Anna Smart from Ballencrieff: Sky Blue * 08

We will be in touch soon with details for the 10th anniversary of the competition – with some exciting new categories.

The winners selected by the public are:

Junior 12 – 16 Jocelyn King from Airth: Jazzy Caterpillars * 09

Staff and Vols Nigel Ward: Under Pressure

Scottish Seabird Centre magazine

World Flora Suzanne Maitland from Galashiels: Droplet 07

Junior under 12 Anna Smart from Ballencrieff: Sky Blue * 08

Junior 12 – 16 Jocelyn King from Airth: Jazzy Caterpillars * Staff and Vols Nigel Ward: Sync or Swim

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16 Feature We hope that you can make it along as our most popular event returns – it’s going to be a fantastic 10 days of fun.

Upcoming:

In May we will be celebrating our 15th birthday which will mean even more fun and celebrations. We will be in touch soon with further details.

We love puffins and to honour all things puffin’tastic Puffin Fest is back in 2015!

From 15 to 25 May we will be hosting a 10-day puffin celebration with fascinating facts, games, activities and competitions for the whole family.

The iconic puffin, known as the ‘clown of the sea’, is one of the most popular seabirds in the country and by May there will be thousands of them nesting on the nearby islands of Craigleith, Fidra and the Isle of May. During the celebration of these wonderful, colourful seabirds there will be a whole host of activities such as a puffin quiz trail; puffin-spotting cruises on the Puffin Express; an expert talks programme; guided walks; creative workshops; puffin parties with Forth 1; puffin-themed art exhibition plus, of course, the opportunity to zoom in on the live puffin action on the islands using the interactive live cameras in the Discovery Centre.

It’s back!

Date for your diary:

Puffin Fest 15 – 25 May Back by popular demand is local artist, Mandy Thomson, and, for the first time at the Seabird Centre, the Edinburgh Sketcher will be hosting some very special sketch sessions.

Caroline Vevers, Events & Exhibitions Officer, said: “Puffin Fest isn’t just about the Seabird Centre – the aim is that the whole town celebrates the return of these amazing seabirds.

“Last year our Puffin Passport was successful in encouraging people to spend time in and around North Berwick and we plan to build on this in 2015 with even more opportunities for community engagement.

“If you, or someone you know, would like to get involved with Puffin Fest, either by hosting an event, or working in partnership with the Centre, we would love to hear from you. Email me at events@seabird.org or call 01620 890202.

All ideas and suggestions welcome!”

Scottish Seabird Centre magazine

17 Feature John Hunt, a Trustee of the Scottish Seabird Centre, is the leader of the SOS Puffin project.

SOS Puffin in action

The SOS Puffin project started in 2007 by the Scottish Seabird Centre to control the invasive plant, tree mallow which was threatening the important puffin colonies on the islands of Craigleith and Fidra. Since then almost a thousand volunteers on 213 work parties have been out to the islands to cut down the tree mallow. It has been a remarkable volunteer initiative and all the hard work has made a big difference.

On Craigleith the tree mallow covered almost all the island at the start of the project but it is now under control and since 2009 puffins have been able to nest without being impeded. Tree mallow

continues to regenerate from the large seedbank in the soil, and needs to be cut back each year, but this task is getting less and is now helped by the rabbits on the island.

On Fidra there is still a considerable annual task but the puffin nesting areas have been kept clear and the extent of tree mallow regenerating each year is gradually getting less. The RSPB has been organising some volunteer work parties as well which has been a big help.

Puffin burrow counts in 2014 showed that numbers are increasing again on Craigleith; 5,475 apparently occupied burrows (AOB) and are at least holding their own on Fidra; 1,026 AOB. Scottish Seabird Centre magazine

Work parties started again in March after the winter break and will continue into April before we stop for the breeding season. It is a sign of success that we shall need to go out less often than in previous years. Many thanks to our wonderful volunteers who have supported the project so magnificently.

If you would like to join an SOS Puffin work party, please get in touch.

John Hunt: 1,000 people have supported this project!

Great guillemots

Huge rafts of adults bob in the water below the breeding cliffs, relishing the relaxation from the chores of incubating eggs or tending young.

19 Feature Our friend, PR-guru and wildlife expert, Keith Broomfield, introduces the world of the gorgeous guillemot.

One of my earliest wildlife memories was a primary school trip to the Farne Islands – that magical scatter of rocky islets just off the Northumberland coast. Some things stick in the mind, like my friend Kenny who had brought a can of baked beans for his lunch. Nothing wrong in that, but he had no tin opener. But my over-riding recollection was the teeming seabird colonies; the noise, the smell, the sheer excitement in the air.

I don’t think I had ever seen a guillemot or a razorbill before and certainly not as close-up as I was experiencing then.

Like most people, my first reaction was to reflect upon their similarity to penguins.

Their erect stance and long body is indeed penguin-like and they are also very sociable.

But unlike penguins, guillemots and razorbills can fly, and as I watched the adults launch themselves from the cliff faces with whirring wings, my seabird addiction was born.

Guillemots are engrained in our folklore as reflected in a whole host of common names from the past – frowl, marrot, murre, quet and sea hen to name but a few. Such familiarity with mankind was no doubt due to their importance as a source of food in some remote coastal

Like most people, my first reaction was to reflect upon their similarity to penguins.

communities and islands. The eggs in particular were collected but it appears they were something of an acquired taste. Writing in the early 20th century, the Reverend Neil Mackenzie noted that while ‘they can be good eating when fresh’ other eggs ‘are as bad as the most vivid imagination can depict’.

Thankfully times have changed and guillemots and their eggs are now fully protected by law. They really are the most compelling birds. At the start of the breeding season, they gather below the cliffs and the excitement is palpable.

They skid along the surface and there is a lot of diving and chasing underwater. They also wheel in the air before swooping down to the sea like daredevils.

As the season progresses, I particularly enjoy watching the huge rafts of adults bobbing in the water below the breeding cliffs, relishing the relaxation from the chores of incubating eggs or tending young.

Scottish Seabird Centre magazine

In amongst the guillemots, there will invariably be razorbills too. Never as numerous, they are indeed most handsome birds with a most distinctive serrated bill that is just perfect for gripping onto sandeels or butterfish. Anyone who has ever held a butterfish in their hand will know just what a slippery handful it is. The razorbills literally fly under the sea after their quarry, the narrow wings well adapted for use in both air and water.

When watching the hustle and bustle of these guillemots and razorbills on their nesting ledges, one can’t but help feel a twinge of sadness for a missing cousin. Many centuries ago, below their throngs and on gentler slopes, there might have been great auks too.

A reminder of the fragility of nature and the responsibilities we now hold.

Centre developments and new team member

Your opinions: Previous feedback from members on the project has been really helpful and positive. However, it would be great to hear more of your ideas, opinions and suggestions!

21 Feature Meet Grace Martin, Project Manager for the ‘National Marine Centre’.

I joined the Seabird team in January and my post is for the next 12 months. My role as Project Manager is to develop the National Marine Centre project – my main focus at the moment is identifying and securing funding to enable this fantastic opportunity to become a reality.

My background is mainly programme and project management. Prior to joining the Seabird Centre I worked for national charity Volunteer Scotland as Head of Programmes.

I managed a variety of projects including the Strategy for Volunteering in NHS Scotland and 2012 / 2014 Games Legacy activities. Previously I managed a small charity based in North Lanarkshire. This involved management of a Nature Park and working directly with local communities to provide a range of practical conservation, educational and recreational activities.

My work at the Nature Park was really rewarding and of huge personal interest to me and I feel my move to the Seabird Centre is a return to my roots.

In the short time I have been here I have been really impressed with how committed everyone is and genuinely passionate about what they do. Having seen many volunteer programmes and activities, the Seabird Centre Volunteers stand out for me as an inspiration and a real strength for the Centre.

‘The National Marine Centre’ is a working title for the planned extension and development of the Seabird Centre. The main purpose of the project is to expand the education and conservation work of the charity and play an increasing role in highlighting the importance of Scotland’s marine environment and wildlife.

You can contact me at pm@seabird.org:

I look forward to working with you and hopefully see you soon!

Previous feedback from members on the project has been really helpful and positive.

However, it would be great to hear more of your ideas, opinions and suggestions! I am planning some informal sessions for members where you can come along and hear about plans first-hand, ask questions and share ideas. I’ll be in touch with more details about the sessions soon.

In the meantime you can contact me on email at pm@seabird.org I look forward to working with you and hopefully see you soon!

Scottish Seabird Centre magazine

22 Feature Former North Berwick resident, and Seabird Centre supporter, Erich Hoyt reveals all about his much-anticipated book.

In search of Creatures of the Deep:

To the abyss and back On a dark December evening in 2001, when the Seabird Centre was still young, I was honoured to be able to launch my then newest book to a packed Discovery Centre audience. Telling stories from Creatures of the Deep about fierce-looking dragonfish and vampire squid, I was pleased to find such a knowledgeable wildlife audience and the questions continued over homebaked muffins at the book party.

We sold about 30 copies that night – a good launch, and Creatures went on to win good reviews and various awards, including Nonfiction Book of the Year from the American Society of Journalists & Authors in New York.

I had written the book in North Berwick and in 2013, before moving from North Berwick to Dorset where I now live, I started to make notes for a revised and expanded edition. I soon realised that I would have to re-do the book entirely. In the first edition I had written that we were embarking on a century that was certain to produce extraordinary finds in the deep sea. My prediction was on course.

The first 15 years of this century have seen the discovery of five new deep sea species per day – 20,000 in the first decade alone – as part of the Census on Marine Life. The species include the Yeti crab and huge tubeworms living at temperatures hotter than pizza ovens at the

hydrothermal vents. I tell stories about finding 507-year-old clams off Iceland, obtaining the first videos of a living giant squid, and making the second ever manned visit to the deepest spot in the ocean in the Mariana Trench by Titanic director James Cameron. At the same time, the vast and unexplored ocean is showing signs of ailing. The warning signs come from measurements of the increasing noise in the sea (doubling in loudness every decade since the 1950s), raised temperature and acidity levels, and widespread jellyfish invasions.

Knowing the state of ocean conservation, with only 3 percent of the surface area protected, I felt compelled to broaden the scope of the book to talk about my work helping to conserve whale and dolphin habitats and large areas of the high seas.

This new edition of Creatures of the Deep is nearly twice as long as the first edition (from 160 to 288 pages) and contains 135 all new photos and illustrations. Some photos are of species only discovered on recent expeditions, while others are state-of-the-art whale and deep-sea fish photos. Many species are so new that they have no name and are awaiting full description.

Yet some of these species live not so far off Scotland’s coast. For me the exciting thing is that every time you take a boat trip or walk on a beach and look out to sea, there is the chance to encounter something never before seen. We are truly on the steep learning curve about the deep sea which is both remote and yet surprisingly near.

You can order Creatures of the Deep from a range of booksellers. Visit www.erichhoyt.com

Scottish Seabird Centre magazine

The soft-bodied, scaleless Paraliparis is a kind of snailfish found at the bottom of the ocean – in this case, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at 2,300 to 3,300 feet (700 – 1,000m) down. Note the large number of cephalic pores, which are part of the sensory canal.

They help in the detection of prey. Of course, the large eyes don’t miss much.

24 Gift shop Our Gift Shop Manager, Marion, takes us through a few highlights from the current items available.

Retail therapy:

Photogenic, tasty, local, authentic, homely, seasonal

Making a house a home We have all sorts of seaside, seabird and marine wildlife decorations that can add the perfect finishing touch to your home. Ideal for spring and summer! From salt and pepper pots for the family kitchen table, to jugs to display fresh flowers from the garden. We have a range of picture frames, ideal for seabird snaps plus candle holders and candles for your mantelpiece.

Our range of homewares make great gifts too, from budgets big to small. These ranges will change seasonally, so keep an eye out for new pieces throughout the year.

New book North Berwick resident and Chairman of North Berwick Photographic Society, Ian Goodall, has published his first ever book: North Berwick, the Bass Rock and its Gannets. With lots of stunning images of the town and Bass Rock – now the world’s largest Northern gannet colony – this is a must for photography, wildlife and North Berwick fans. Priced £12.95.

Scottish Seabird Centre magazine

The best local produce To celebrate the Year of Food and Drink we have some fabulous new products prepared by local suppliers.

The Ludicrously Good range of fudge and tablet does exactly what is says on the packet! Tablet is a delicious Scottish confection made using sugar, condensed milk and butter. It’s similar to fudge but is firmer and has been made in Scotland for over 200 years. There are no additives or preservatives in the Ludicrously Good range and all are handmade using the finest ingredients in small batches following the traditional method first used in the late nineteenth century by Granny Knox in the north east of Scotland. Ludicrously Good was founded in Edinburgh by Granny Knox’s great grandson who wanted to revive the much-loved recipe. Enjoy Salted Caramel Fudge, Scottish Tablet, Ginger Fudge, Scotch Whisky Tablet, Cardamom Fudge, and Treacle and Walnut Fudge. £2.65 for a 150g bag.

“Out of this was born the Salt Pig range of sea salt blends, simple yet subtle blends to add flavour to stews, soups and casseroles; for use on fish and roast potatoes; or added to oil to make a base for salad dressings. Each pack is hand blended in our own kitchen to exacting standards.”

In the Gift Shop you can currently buy Garlic, Rosemary, Plain, Basil and Chili for £2 a bag.

Salt Pig Sea Salts are created in East Lothian

by Jim Anderson. Jim says: “As an avid cook I looked for a simple sea salt mix to add to recipes: most sea salts were not a good salt to herb ratio so I set about blending what I consider to be an almost perfect mix.

Scottish Seabird Centre magazine

26 Café In the Year of Food and Drink we celebrate the best local produce – prepared by our new chef.

The Year of Food and Drink

Meet Ian Our new chef, Ian Wood, has been working in the catering industry for an impressive 40 years, since the age of 17.

He worked at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Edinburgh for many years and was also the Functions Manager at Midlothian Council. He has prepared meals for royalty, First Ministers and a whole host of foreign dignitaries.

Ian says: “My favourite dish to prepare is beef stroganoff and I also love a good steak.

For me, great cooking is all about using local produce and maximising flavours. Keeping it simple is always best.”

Year of Food and Drink The Seabird Café is proud to support the Year of Food and Drink Scotland 2015, a celebration of the country’s outstanding natural larder and produce.

Across Scotland you will find artisan cheeses and world-renowned whiskies, to succulent seasonal berries and Arbroath Smokies: there is an abundance of delicious regional flavours round every corner.

This year we are being encouraged to discover the landscapes, people and culture that make Scotland’s food heritage so unique and enjoy a feast of events and festivals which showcase Scotland’s food and drink at its very best. Treat yourself and come and experience a true taste of Scotland in 2015.

Keep an eye out in the Seabird Café and on our website for news of our seasonal specials and produce from the best local suppliers.

Ian Wood:

For me, great cooking is all about using local produce and maximising flavours. Keeping it simple is always best.

Scottish Seabird Centre magazine

Seabird CafĂŠ:

Celebrate the Year of Food and Drink with freshly prepared meals and stunning views, from East Lothian’s only seaside sundeck.

28 Volunteers Mending, translating, chatting, preparing, selling, assisting – there is no end to the talents of our Volunteers, led

by Chairperson, Sandy Forrest.

The Volunteer Group continues to work with unceasing enthusiasm for the Seabird Centre, many helping in the Discovery Centre, meeting visitors from all over the world and helping them to operate the cameras, access the various exhibitions, attend the staff talks, answer questions and more.

The most interesting part of this side of our task is that it is different every day and so never becomes boring.

Even over the winter we have had wildlife to find on the cameras, with seals basking on the islands, the peregrine falcon posing on Fidra, eiders and oyster catchers in the shallows. Now with Spring a plethora of wildlife has returned to our islands! New or prospective Volunteers often express concern that they will not be able to answer questions about the wildlife. They need not worry. The staff in the Discovery Centre have been rotating their talks to match the appropriate season, which has given Volunteers an excellent and easy opportunity to gain knowledge about gannets, puffins, seals and marine creatures in the aquarium. This makes our task of talking to visitors much more interesting and professional, without having to read lots of books!

Most of the same Volunteers, plus others who only help with fundraising, assist at our events during the year. We attempt to hold an event once a month from February to December, treating ourselves to a short break over Christmas and New Year.

During 2014 we held two coffee mornings, an auction, a jumble sale, a Midsummer Music concert, a Jazz Night, a fireworks party and a Commonwealth Games talk.

The income from these events is banked in our account and donated to the Centre when special projects need funding, such as the new zinc rubbing plates of a puffin or the colourful new chairs for children doing the rubbings.

Further tasks that we carry out include assisting staff with hosting various events at the Centre such as the presentation of the Nature Photography Awards, book launches, talks from artists and the Members’ Christmas Shopping Evening.

We also collect used stamps and send them off for a small financial return, insert letters / posters into envelopes for posting, prepare adoption packs for seals and puffins, input voting detail into the website for counting and so on. We even get involved with the annual stocktake!

I am hoping that all of this might inspire some of you to consider becoming a Volunteer. In our Volunteer Constitution it states that a Volunteer must only take part in the activities that they choose, but I do hope my words can persuade some of you to join us. We work quite hard, but it is great fun and provides lots of social interaction whilst helping a very good cause.

2014 highlights:

Two coffee mornings, an auction, a jumble sale, a Midsummer Music concert, a Jazz Night, a fireworks party and a Commonwealth Games talk.

Scottish Seabird Centre magazine

New trip unveiled for 2015!

Now our RIBs (rigid inflatable boats) will not only go round the island of Craigleith and the Bass Rock, but they will also venture out to the Lamb, enabling passengers to see the wildlife that inhabits this mysterious island.

31 Boats We welcome the start of the boat season with a new boat trip – and the return of Puffin Express.

10% discount for members of the Seabird Centre.

Following feedback from our visitors, members and staff, we have unveiled a brand new trip for the 2015 season – Three Islands Seabird Seafari.

Television presenter and world-famous mystifier, Uri Geller, famously bought the Lamb in 2009.

He described the island as one of the ‘Great Pyramids of Scotland’, saying it was one of three rocky outcrops – the others being Craigleith and Fidra – which mirrored the layout of the pyramids at Giza near Cairo in Egypt.

Boat passengers on these trips will now have the opportunity to uncover the secrets of the Lamb for themselves, with the help of the excellent and knowledgeable Seabird Seafari guides.

You will return to North Berwick along the coastline where our guide will unveil South Carr shipwreck stories, you will see the mighty Tantallon Castle and hear about the secret wartime base at Gin Head.

Don’t forget – members get a discount on boat trip tickets. Trips can be booked in advance online at www.seabird.org The facts: Trips run from April to October, subject to weather and sea conditions.

Boats are fast and waterproofs are provided.

This trip is approx. 1 hour 15 mins.

Trips are limited to a maximum of 12 passengers.

Adult £25, child £18.

10% discount for members of the Seabird Centre.

The minimum age is 7 years.

RIBs are not suitable for anyone with back ailments or who is pregnant.

Puffin Express After a hugely popular launch in 2014, the Puffin Express is back for Puffin Fest! These special 30 minute tours around the island of Craigleith are perfect for spotting the ‘clowns of the sea’. The island is home to our SOS Puffin project, which has seen puffin populations increase thanks to an amazing volunteer project. See page 17 for an update from project manager, John Hunt.

The Puffin Express is on our 55-seat Catamaran and the brilliant boat guides will reveal all sorts of puffin facts along the way. You can book these trips online now, so don’t delay!

The facts: These trips run during Puffin Fest, subject to weather and sea conditions.

They are suitable for all ages.

This trip lasts approx. 30 mins.

Adult £10, child £5 (aged 4 to 16), conc £9.

10% discount for members of the Seabird Centre.

Children aged 3 years and under go free.

When members book online for boat trips Full ticket price will be taken at the time of booking.

Upon presentation of a valid membership card at the Boat Trip Booking Office on the day of your trip, the discount will be transferred via the method of payment that was given. Terms and conditions apply – please see the website for more info.

Do you have any good pics from your boat trips? We would love to see them. Share them with us on Facebook or Twitter.

Scottish Seabird Centre magazine

32 Membership Did you know that you can make a one-off payment which would mean you would have life membership for the Seabird Centre?

Support our fantastic work:

Life Membership Over the last few months we have welcomed two very special new life members: Margaret Murray and Claire Turnbull.

Corporate membership Do you work for a company who could benefit from Seabird membership? If so, we would love to hear from you!

Life membership is a oneoff payment of £500 and this money is then invested into our conservation and educational work. These memberships are always very welcome and it’s a fantastic boost to the team to have people who believe in the long-term vision and future for the Centre.

Thank you Margaret and Claire!

We hope to welcome more life members in the next edition of the magazine.

For further information email membership@seabird.org or call 01620 890202.

Life Membership and Corporate VIP Membership

Our VIP Corporate Membership is a great way to support a very worthwhile cause.

Not only will your staff be made to feel like VIPs, but your money will be invested in the work undertaken by our committed staff and volunteers.

Our VIP Corporate Members receive great benefits. These include:

Free evening hire, for up to 100 of your guests, of the Centre’s facilities for one event each year (worth £250). This includes use of the Discovery Centre, including the Wildlife Theatre and Seabird Café.

Special rates available for menus, refreshments and activities Presence on our website (14,000 visits / month) Opportunities to volunteer on special conservation projects such as SOS Puffin.

The costs Number of cards

Cost per card, per year

1

£400

2

£550

3

£675

4

£800

5

£900

6

£1,000

10% discount for the Seabird Café, gift shop and on boat trips (some exclusions apply)

7

£1,100

8

£1,200

Exclusive pre-booked VIP tours of the Discovery Centre – one tour per card (T&Cs apply)

9

£1,300

VIP cards allowing your staff free entry, all year, to the Discovery Centre (we are open 364 days a year). Each card is transferable between your staff and is valid for two adults and up to four children.

Their guests receive 10% discount on admission to the Discovery Centre

Invitations to special events Free members’ magazine Enewsletters including wildlife updates

Scottish Seabird Centre magazine

10 £1,300 10+ £1,400

VIP Corporate Membership:

If this sounds interesting, please get in touch. We would be delighted to show you and your colleagues around the Seabird Centre and have a chat over a complimentary coffee and cake in our Seabird CafĂŠ.

A great way to support a very worthwhile cause.

We can talk you through how your company and your staff can benefit from our VIP Corporate Membership package, all without any obligation. We would be pleased to tailor a package to suit your organisation’s needs.

For more information, please contact our Membership Secretary, membership@seabird.org

Scottish Seabird Centre magazine

34 Feature As we look forward to Puffin Fest we are inspired by other amazing festivals.

The Dumfries and Galloway Wild Spring Festival (Scotland’s largest and longest running wildlife festival) has joined forces with the Scottish Borders Nature Festival to celebrate the diversity of flora and fauna that can be discovered throughout the area in a fascinating programme of events.

To mark Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink, both festivals are also set to reveal a series of events with a special focus on the area’s outstanding natural larder.

Many events will be free or charge a modest admission of around £5 per person.

Most are led by local wildlife or conservation experts and take in a host of seasonal natural delights from the Mull of Galloway in Dumfries and Galloway to St Abbs Head in the Scottish Borders. Spring is a great time to spot seabirds on the cliffs in the south of Scotland and if you’re lucky perhaps a porpoise or basking shark. Seabirds that might be seen at festival events include guillemots, cormorants, kittiwakes, fulmars and rock pippets.

Project Manager for the Southern Uplands Partnership and spokesperson for the South of Scotland Wild Festivals, Pip

Great news:

For the first time ever, two of Scotland’s prestigious nature festivals are uniting to showcase over 150 familyfriendly events taking place in the south of Scotland from 3 April to 13 June.

Tabor said: “By uniting The Dumfries and Galloway Wild Spring Festival and the Scottish Borders Nature Festival we hope to shine a spotlight on the naturally inspiring countryside, forests, gardens and coastline (around 250 miles of it) across the south of Scotland.

“There are so many wonderful experiences on offer for families and wildlife enthusiasts from near and far, to discover the outstanding areas of natural beauty in Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders.”

Organisations coordinating festival events include the RSPB, the Forestry Commission, the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT), the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT), Borders Forest Trust, the Scottish Borders Council and the Dumfries & Galloway Council, as well

Scottish Seabird Centre magazine

as a variety of independent local heritage attractions and estates.

Event highlights include: a Mull of Galloway Guided Walk with an RSPB Ranger and Rockpool Exploration in Coldingham in the Scottish Borders. The Wild Spring Festival will also see the launch of what is believed to be the first Nocturnal Wildlife Tour of its kind in the UK. The programme for both festivals can be viewed at www.wildseasons.co.uk, with new events being added regularly.

Nature Festivals unite in the South of Scotland for the first time

36 Feature The Coastal Communities Museum is a fantastic local asset. Have you visited? Make sure it’s on your to-do list.

Henry Scott Tuke – An Artist in North Berwick

Catherine Wallace will give a talk, ‘The Sunshine Painter – The Art and Life of Henry Scott Tuke’ at the Seabird Centre on Friday 3 April at 19:30. Tickets priced £10 each can be purchased at Rock & Bird and Greens & Blues, North Berwick High Street, at the Seabird Centre, or on the door on the night.

Scottish Seabird Centre magazine

Come and see more:

Henry Scott Tuke (1858 – 1929) – An Artist in North Berwick runs from Friday 3 April to Sunday 17 May 2015 at the Coastal Communities Museum.

When the English artist Henry Scott Tuke R.A., R.W.S (1858–1929) visited North Berwick in August 1891, it was inevitable he chose to paint his version of the Bass Rock. The dramatic rise of the Rock from the sea pulls the eye towards it from many points along the East Lothian coastline.

Henry Scott Tuke’s delicate watercolour of the Bass will be one of a dozen of his ‘North Berwick Sketches’ on display for the first time ever at a special exhibition mounted by the Coastal Communities Museum in April this year. The sketches include other familiar landmarks including Fidra, Tantallon Castle and North Berwick Law, and each one is a little gem. They are part of the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society Tuke Collection, the largest in public ownership.

Tuke is one of a group of exceptional artists who formed the Newlyn School in the 1880s, an artists’ colony based in the picturesque fishing village of Newlyn on the Cornish coast, which with its spectacular scenery and quality of the natural light, became a mecca for many British painters.

In 1885 Tuke returned to Falmouth, where he had spent time as a child, drawn back by its bay and the ships coming in and out of the harbour, which became the subject of many of his paintings. A number of his Falmouth paintings will be featured in the exhibition, including ‘Our Jack’. According to Catherine Wallace, the leading authority on Tuke, it is one of his most powerful portraits of Jack Rolling, a local lad, who Tuke referred to as a quay scamp (Catherine Wallace, Catching the Light, The Art and Life of Henry Scott Tuke, Atelier Books, 2008).

In 1891 Henry Tuke was the guest of his old friend, Sir Walter Hamilton-Dalrymple, and stayed with him for three months, at the Lodge in North Berwick, where he painted Sir Walter’s family. Another treat in store at the exhibition will be the portraits of Sir Walter, his wife Alice and eight-year-old daughter Molly.

The exhibition, Henry Scott Tuke (1858 – 1929) – An Artist in North Berwick runs from Friday 3 April to Sunday 17 May 2015, at the Coastal Communities Museum, School Road, North Berwick, EH39 4JU.

This article was kindly written by Ailsa Fortune.

Scottish Seabird Centre magazine

38 Feature We have a brand new range of party options to suit all ages and budgets.

It’s party time!

Let’s go party: Prices ranging from £10.50 per child up to £17.50 per child.

Our Events & Exhibitions Officer, Caroline Vevers, has been very busy developing a brand new range of birthday party packages!

We now offer a whole host of themes and lots of different celebratory options to ensure your child’s birthday will stand out from the crowd.

Select from our party themes: Pirates, Mermaids, Professor Egghead’s Science Show, Puffin Circus Party, Under the Sea and Tots Puffling Party.

As part of the party packages you can select themed activity sessions, party food, party games, face painting, the chance to meet Tammie the Puffin – you can even have your child’s name displayed on a board in one of our fish tanks!

Not only that but we can make the planning and organisation as painless as possible, with online printable invites, thank you cards and a gift for the birthday child. Plus that all important supply of tea and coffee for the adults!

If you would like to discuss a bespoke party package for your little one, with prices ranging from £10.50 per child up to £17.50 per child, for up to two hours, we would love to hear from you. Email events@seabird.org or call 01620 890202.

Packages Pirates Mermaids Professor Puffin Under Tots Egghead’s Circus the Sea Puffling Science Party Party Show Price £12.50 £12.50 £15.50 £17.50 £12.50 £10.50 2 hour party x x x x x 1 hour 30min Min no of guests 15 15 15 20 15 10 Themed activity session x x Party food * x x x x x x Sugar-free squash & water x x x x x x Themed tableware ** x x x x x x Visit from Tammie the Puffin x x x x x x Tammie the Puffin balloons x x x x x x Party host x x x x x x Party games x x x x x x Face painting x x x x x x Free gift for birthday child x x x x x x Free tour of Discovery Centre x x x x x Birthday board *** x x x x x Online printable invites x x x x x x Thank you cards x x x x x x Teas & coffees for adults x x x x x x * Party box contains fresh sandwich, crisps, mini chocolate bar and carton of juice ** Party box, tablecloth, plates, cups and napkins *** Display the birthday child’s name on a board in our main fish tank

Scottish Seabird Centre magazine

Green Sea Fingers and Carpet Squirt!!: The shows are included with admission and FREE for members. Tickets will be allocated on a first come, first served basis – please collect tickets on arrival at the Centre.

41 Feature Our Easter event is FREE for members. Join in the fun with Professor Egghead.

The ever-popular Professor Egghead is back with a bang for 2015, with a brand new interactive live science show.

This Easter, Professor Egghead is calling on visitors to help identify and manage ‘alien species’ at Professor Egghead and the Alien Invasion. From 3 to 20 April, at 14:00 daily in the Wildlife Theatre, visitors have the chance to become part of the ‘Biosecurity Agency’ helping to track down ‘alien invaders’.

The inspiration for this year’s show comes from the island of Craigleith and an invasive, alien plant called tree mallow.

In previous years this plant has clogged puffin burrows preventing the puffins from breeding but thanks to an amazing volunteer project, which has been supported by over 1,000 people, the puffin population on this island is now increasing as the tree mallow has been cut down.

Events & Exhibitions Officer, Caroline Vevers, said: “The theme of non-native species has been very topical this year so we are giving our visitors the opportunity to really get to grips with what all of this means and the knowledge to do something about it.

Professor Egghead and the Alien Invasion Become part of the ‘Biosecurity Agency’ helping to track down ‘alien invaders’ “Alien species come from many different places and in many different ways and now they live in our forests, seas and even back gardens!

During this year’s show we will be identifying suspects such as Green Sea Fingers and Carpet Squirt, interrogating them with fun, games and experiments that the whole family can enjoy. Will they end up locked in our Biosecurity Stronghold or will they be released?

“We will also be encouraging people to get out into the great outdoors after the show, by getting involved with ‘citizen science recording programmes’.

These app based activities enable people to engage with nature in a sustainable and fun way. As a conservation and education charity this message is at the heart of what we do.”

In the Discovery Centre there will also be an egg-themed trail, as many of the seabirds seen via the interactive live cameras located on the Firth

Scottish Seabird Centre magazine

of Forth islands will be starting to lay their eggs. There will also be a programme of mini-talks from the Discovery Centre team including fish tank feeds and news flashes on what the gannets are up to on the Bass Rock, the world’s largest Northern gannet colony.

Professor Egghead and the Alien Invasion will take place daily in the Wildlife Theatre, 3 to 20 April, 14:00. Included with admission and FREE for members. Admission is £8.95 for adults and £4.95 for children. Family tickets are also available £25. Tickets will be allocated on a first come, first served basis – please collect tickets on arrival at the Centre. Show times may be subject to change.

The show is part of the Edinburgh International Science Festival www.sciencefestival.co.uk

42 What’s on Keep an eye out for updated details of events on www.seabird.org at our What’s On section.

A great package of events:

Professor Egghead and the Alien Invasion Friday 3 to Monday 20 April, included with admission to the Discovery Centre / free for members – please request tickets for the show on arrival, subject to availability.

Beach clean Saturday 9 May, 11:30 – 13:30

Puffin Fest Friday 15 to Monday 25 May

Help us turn the tide on litter and keep North Berwick beaches a great place to enjoy, as well as protecting our wildlife. Join the Scottish Seabird Centre, East Lothian Countryside Ranger Service and North Berwick in Bloom for a fun and rewarding community beach clean. No need to book – join us on the day. Please dress for the weather!

At the Scottish Seabird Centre we love puffins and to honour all things puffin’tastic we are planning a 10-day puffin celebration with fun, games, activities and events for the whole family. During Scotland’s largest celebration of these wonderful and iconic birds there will be a plethora of activities such as puffin trails; puffin-spotting cruises on the Puffin Express; an expert talks programme; puffin parties with Forth 1; puffin-themed art exhibition plus of course the opportunity to zoom in on the live puffin action with our interactive live cameras in the Discovery Centre.

The full programme will be announced soon!

Professor Egghead is taking action against the invasion of alien species! Join the interactive fun and become part of the ‘Biosecurity Agency’ helping to track down this global threat. Find out what action must be taken worldwide to control the invasion. Where do they come from? What do they look like? What can we do to help? With a mixture of games, challenges, experiments and fun, Professor Egghead will lead the way in the battle against these intruders.

Professor Egghead will also be back in the summer holidays – please keep an eye on our website for further information.

Education, fun and the environment

Help us turn the tide on litter and keep North Berwick beaches a great place to enjoy. puffin’tastic:

10-day puffin celebration with fun, games, activities and events for the whole family.

Scottish Seabird Centre magazine

Children’s activity page

from the Edinburgh Sketcher

Colour the puffin

Fun puffin facts

pale cheeks and brightlycoloured bill, red and black eye markings and bright orange legs.

1 Their favourite food is sandeels.

3 They can live for up to 29 years!

2 Their nick-name is the

4 They spend the winter

‘Clowns of the Sea’ after their colourful appearance: A black head with large

out at sea, some flying as far as the Bay of Biscay off the northern coast of Spain.

EdinburghSketcher

For more illustrations, competitions and news from life in and around Edinburgh visit www.edinburghsketcher.com or search for ‘EdinburghSketcher’ on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

and gh

Answers: 1 Puffin flying up is now flying down. 2 Extra puffin on top of rock. 3 Fish in mouth of flying puffin changes from blue to red. 4 Boat on the horizon appears. 5 Puffin in bottom left turns head.

r

Spot the difference Can you spot the 5 differences between these two drawings?

EastEr at thE racEs

his year, Musselburgh Racecourse is offering an Easter weekend extravaganza. With T racing on Good Friday and Easter Sunday,

there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.

Our Easter Sunday family raceday is packed full of entertainment for all ages. What’s more, with 20% off 2 adult tickets when you book online*, we guarantee happy racegoers.

The day offers seven races including the Musselburgh Gold Cup and the Shetland Grand National, a fully operational fairground and a children’s entrainment area with a petting zoo, face painting and much more. Our bunnies and chicks will be giving away a free Easter egg on the day, so, get yours before they run out!

Want more prizes for your racing? Our Good Friday raceday has a £160,000 card, featuring

the £50,000 Balmoral Cup and £50,000 Royal Mile handicap. Large crowds are expected on both days, so don’t be disappointed, book early to be part of this weekend full of racing entertainment.

* For your chance of receiving 20% off the purchase of 2 or more adult tickets for our Easter Sunday Festival, book online using the promo code ES050414. This is a very limited offer, so book early.

Entertainment may vary, check website for details and updates

www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

THE EASTER FESTIVAL

Children Go Free*

an eggcellent easter treat On Easter Sunday enjoy lots of family entertainment all day including FREE Fairground Rides.

Every child will also receive an Easter egg from our Easter Bunnies and Chicks.

Gates open 11.30am

FRI 3 APRIL & SUN 5 APRIL www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

4072 MRC Scottish Seabird Full Page.indd 1

*Children 17 years and under

25/02/2015 14:38

Painting: Pam Carter - Harbour at Dawn

COLLECTING ART… A LIFETIME’S PASSION SATURDAY 28TH MARCH TO MONDAY 4TH MAY PREVIEW EVENING FRIDAY 27TH MARCH 6 – 8PM Visit www.fidrafineart.co.uk to view all the work and further information.

45 Dirleton Avenue, North Berwick, East Lothian, EH39 4BL 01620 895057 / 07981 982464 info@fidrafineart.co.uk www.fidrafineart.co.uk

Win 2 nights in Gilsland Park’s fun and unique Camping Cabins.

V661-15-116-aw-02.indd 1

A wonderful selection of Scottish paintings acquired by a collector of contemporary British art.

To include pieces by Carmen Ambrozevich, Caroline Bailey, Francis Boag, Susan Brown, Pam Carter, Gillian Goodheir, Niall Hannah, Peter Howson, Kurt Jackson, James Harrigan, David Martin, Lesley Main, John Lowrie Morrison, Hamish MacDonald and Lin Pattullo amongst others.

05/03/2015 12:45

North Berwick has it all for a fun-filled family getaway!

North Berwick – our Scottish coastal gem.

Visit the wonderful coastline of sandy bays and rocky coves. Inland to the beautiful unspoilt countryside of arable farmland and the hills of the Lammermuirs. The castles of Tantallon, Dirleton and hidden Hailes all there for the exploring Or visit the vibrant town centre of North Berwick with boutique shops and art galleries all complemented by delicious local produce and the finest wines and spirits.

Rich history, spectacular scenery, wealth of attractions and activities ensure there is something for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

To win a 2 night break in Gilsland Park’s Camping Cabins, please answer the following:

Puffins are also known as the “??????? of the sea” (*offer excludes July & August dates) To enter all you need to do is email info@seabird.org with the answer, plus your name, email, address and phone number.

Postal and phone entries will also be accepted.

A winner will be selected at random at the end of April. Good luck!

M A C D O N A L D M A R I N E H O T E L & S PA

SITUATED ON THE COAST IN NORTH BERWICK, JUST A SHORT WALK FROM THE SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE, MACDONALD MARINE HOTEL & SPA IS THE PERFECT LOCATION FOR YOUR SEABIRD VISIT AND TO EXPLORE THE REST OF THE BEAUTIFUL EAST LOTHIAN LANDSCAPE. GET 20% OFF YOUR STAY WITH A SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE MEMBERSHIP. Simply visit www.MacdonaldHotels.co.uk/Marine and quote QB2 or call 0844 879 9210.

Macdonald Marine Hotel & Spa, Cromwell Road, North Berwick, East Lothian, EH39 4LZ

11-16 august

www.fringebythesea.com

2015

KEEP THE DATES!

PA R T E XC HA NG E * TO A W HO L E NE W L I F E S T Y L E C OME TO C A L A The Elliot showhome – upgrades shown at additional cost

A SELECTION OF 4 & 5 BEDROOM DETACHED HOMES Available with 100% part exchange*

PRIORY MEADOW, NORTH BERWICK, EH39 4QE CALL 01620 621 775. CALA.CO.UK 5 star customer service 5 years running

SEAC_MAR15 *CALA will obtain 2 independent valuations based on achieving a sale in a 4-6 week period, part exchange considered subject to CALA’s purchasing criteria, terms and conditions. Up to 100% part exchange available on selected plots, subject to terms and conditions and not in conjunction with any other offer. The image shown is taken from the Elliot Showhome at Priory Meadow and features fittings, décor, flooring and soft furnishings which are not fitted as standard in a CALA home. These are used to suggest possible finishes you could adopt in your own home and would be an additional cost. Please consult a Sales Advisor for further details. 5 stars awarded for customers’ willingness to ‘Recommend to a Friend’ in findings of the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 surveys, undertaken by the Home Builders Federation (HBF).

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