Inchkeith Island, a History
Inchkeith Island sits in the estuary of the River Forth below the Forth Bridge about halfway across. In addition to it’s wildlife population it has a long and varied history involving two world wars and including a period as an isolation island for people with infectious diseases, and as an island of strategic importance over the centuries.
Charles Everitt last visited our club in February to judge a competition. Our Syllabus Secretary resolved to invite him back as soon as possible and the opportunity arose last week. Charles spent most of his working life as Police officer, much of it combatting wildlife crime both in Scotland and the UK. He won the Scottish Nature Photography awards in 2023 and returned to the event in 2024 as a judge. These days he is involved as a Wildlife Ranger and has an interest in both the history and wildlife of Inchkeith.
Charles gave a fascinating account of the history of the island explaining the uses of the many buildings, the ruins of which remain, stretching back over a long period of time. Charles’ photography illustrated the detail of lichens and patterns within. He also photographed the variety of wild flowers on the island before moving on to the birdlife and mammals. Guillemots, Razorbills and Puffins all featured as did Black Backed Gulls and Gannets. Grey Seals, visiting the island to give birth, were engaging.
Possibly Charles’ most striking photograph was that of a Humpback Whale, its dorsal fin raised above the water as its back arched and broke the surface of the Firth of Forth as the mammal passed Inchkeith which was visible in the background.
An Exhibition, Talking Pictures, and a Raffle
Falkirk Writer’s Circle and Falkirk Camera Club
On 26th March we hold a joint evening with Falkirk Writers Circle titled Talking Pictures. Several months ago we gave the writers some photographs. They made a selection then wrote pieces of poetry and prose inspired by those photographs. On Talking Pictures night, in front of their projected image, each photographer introduces their photograph then is followed by the writer who reads their work. We hold a raffle each year too, and this year it’s the turn of Falkirk C.C. members to donate the prizes so we are asking our club members to contribute.
Now on, in the ground floor turret in Callendar House, is our joint exhibition with Falkirk Writer’s Circle. The theme of the photographs, poetry and prose is Autumn in Callendar Park and shows the autumn colours, the wildlife, and the way the park is used.