The walk out to Cramond Island along the jagged causeway is one of my favourite trundles when I’m up in Edinburgh. The line of concrete pylons alongside the low tide walkway were constructed during World War 2, to prevent torpedo boats sailing between the island and the coast.
The Island has a long history, back to Roman times at least, and has since been used for sheep farming and as a fishing outpost. Sadly, the last farmer died in 1904, and judging by the disarray that greets visitors, it is now used mainly as an evening drinking destination for those who like to smash bottles and leave their litter behind.
But back to it interesting history.
During World War II, Cramond Island and its neighbours were fortified and armed with guns with which to debilitate fast-moving torpedo boats. Anti-submarine nets and anti-boat booms were laid across the estuary from Cramond Island directly to Inchcolm, and on across to the Fife coast. The boom that we can now see so clearly was just a small part of the defences.
On the island itself, you can still see the gun emplacements and other WW2 buildings, including two engine rooms that once contained the equipment for power supply to the military installations on the island, and the anchor points for the anti-submarine net and anti-boat boom are also visible at the north end of the island at low tide.
Copyright Debbie Smyth, 26 March 2019
Posted as part of #spikysquares
Travel with Intent 
It looks a nice place to visit. Why do a few people have to spoil things for the majority? On a walk recently I saw a bath in the river and on another one there was a large bed in pieces by the side of a walkway. Grrr
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I despair of the human race. The planet will be better off without us.
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Never done this one! Was always going to make it up this coast. So near and yet so far 😦 😦 Love the shots!
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Always too many things to do, places to go.
But maybe one day! And there’s a nice cafe there too 🙂
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🙂 🙂
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oh that’s so sad how people are treating such a beautiful place . . . I despair of humans. They manage to carry it there when it was full, so why can they not carry empties back 😦
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absolutely loving the photo today. Looks like a wonderful place for a walk, and the history too 🙂
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It’s a great little walk and so east to get to from central Edinburgh by bus
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Ooh thanks for the heads up. Adding it to my summer Scotland plans 😊
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Do let me know if you’re up there. I visit frequently and would love to share a walk or a meal.
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oh that would be amazing Debbie. I will 🙂
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Exactly!
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