On Saturday 12 May 2012 the group will visit the RSPB managed seabird colony at Ailsa Craig. Leaving on the 07.00 ferry we will car share and travel to Girvan where we will board a fishing boat for a trip to the island. a visit to the island of around 3 hours is planned (cost £25) and we should be back on Bute by Saturday evening.

Ailsa Craig lies nine miles offshore, rising to 1,109 feet. The dramatic seacliffs are home to the third largest gannetry in the UK - comprising 36,000 pairs - with a supporting cast of guillemots, razorbills, black guillemots and increasing numbers of puffins.

Numbers on this trip are limited so if you are interested contact the organiser Iona Gray (01700 500167)

 Leaving Bute on the 07.00am ferry we will car share and travel to the seabird colony at St Abbs Head.

St Abb's Head is a National Nature Reserve and important site for cliff-nesting seabirds from May to August. Visitors can watch them wheeling and diving in countless numbers below the high cliffs on the edge of the North Sea. The 90m high cliffs are home to colonies of guillemots, kittiwakes, razorbills, shags, fulmars, puffins and herring gulls which nest on narrow ledges from April to August.

An overnight stay at the Bluebell Hotel, Belford near to Seahouses has been booked and the following morning we will visit the Farne Islands.

The Farne Islands are possibly the most exciting seabird colony in England with unrivalled views of 23 species, including around 37,000 pairs of puffin. we will visit two islands Inner Farne and Staple Island.

The cost of this trip is £28 for boat to islands and £6,50 (x2) for entrance to reserve. Travel costs will be shared and hotel is £35 b&b.

This should be a most enjoyable outing and if interested please contact Dougie Menzies (01700 505732) ASAP.

 Leaving Bute on the 07.00am ferry we will car share and travel to the seabird colony at St Abbs Head.

St Abb's Head is a National Nature Reserve and important site for cliff-nesting seabirds from May to August. Visitors can watch them wheeling and diving in countless numbers below the high cliffs on the edge of the North Sea. The 90m high cliffs are home to colonies of guillemots, kittiwakes, razorbills, shags, fulmars, puffins and herring gulls which nest on narrow ledges from April to August.

An overnight stay at the Bluebell Hotel, Belford near to Seahouses has been booked and the following morning we will visit the Farne Islands.

The Farne Islands are possibly the most exciting seabird colony in England with unrivalled views of 23 species, including around 37,000 pairs of puffin.

This should be a most enjoyable outing and if interested please contact Dougie Menzies (01700 505732) ASAP.

 This annual event has been well attended in recent years and if interested please book a place ASAP as numbers are limited.

This year, weather permitting we will head off up the Clyde in the direction of Cloch Lighthouse, is search of Manx Shearwater and other summering seabirds.

Bring approriate clothing and a packed lunch.

To book contact Dougie Menzies 01700 505732

 Meet at Guilfod Square at 10.00 and explore the various Lochs and Bays of Bute in search of migrant birds. 

Contact Ron Forrester for further information or attend at Guilford Square on the day.