Conservation charities raise fresh concerns over the future of puffin populations in the Firth of Forth

Conservationists from the Scottish Seabird Centre and RSPB Scotland have raised concerns about the future of the puffin populations in the Firth of Forth as new counts reveal declines on all but one of the local islands off the coast of North Berwick.

Puffins are one of Scotland’s most iconic seabird species and a huge draw for visitors from all over the world. However, the climate crisis, overfishing, invasive species, pollution and habitat loss are driving them to the edge of extinction. Despite global declines, the Firth of Forth has been a stronghold for these hardy little seabirds, with over 100,000 puffins returning to the area to breed every spring.

This summer, conservationists completing puffin population counts on the islands of Craigleith (an RSPB nature reserve) and the Lamb, raised concerns over declines between the 2024 and 2026 counts (drops of around 20% on Craigleith and 15% on the Lamb). They echo concerns raised by NatureScot, who reported significant puffin population drops of over 30% on the Isle of May, one of the largest puffin colonies on the East Coast.

Emma Marriott, Conservation Officer with the Scottish Seabird Centre, who was part of the burrow counts said:

“It is a real privilege to contribute to these counts on what are small but by no means insignificant islands! Being out there and seeing the birds for yourself really drives home how beautiful and special they are, and how different and quiet the islands and our coast would be without them. The counts are a vital insight into how populations are faring, but a single count provides only a snapshot. Without regular monitoring and long-term datasets such as those gathered by the Forth Seabird Group, which require volunteer support and reliable funding, we would have no baseline to compare these counts to and declines such as these might go unnoticed and unevidenced. It is important to ensure that this monitoring continues to track how the populations continue to respond to a changing environment.”

Craigleith is one of RSPB Scotland’s newest nature reserves and RSPB Site Manager for the Forth Islands, David Anderson, said of the findings:

“We’re incredibly privileged to be the caretakers of these special places. This year’s counts show a mixed picture across the Forth islands and we know Puffins, like many other seabirds, are facing significant pressures.

We’re already working closely with the Seabird Centre and local volunteers to help strengthen Puffin populations on Fidra and Craigleith and we’re excited to continue building this partnership through the Safeguarding Forth Seabird Islands project to have an even greater impact.

Together we can ensure these incredible islands and the Puffins that make their homes there continue to inspire a greater love of nature for generations to come.”

Images

- Atlantic puffin landing on the Isle of May © Jamie McDermaid, Scottish Seabird Centre

- Puffin burrow counts on the Lamb island © Emma Marriot, Scottish Seabird Centre

- Puffin on the Isle of May © Greg Macvean for the Scottish Seabird Centre

ENDS

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Notes

Craigleith and Fidra islands are RSPB Scotland nature reserves and the Lamb is privately owned. In June 2026, RSPB Scotland and the Scottish Seabird Centre launched an ambitious new partnership project, ‘Safeguarding Forth Seabird Islands’, and are working together to support seabird recovery in this area. The partnership project was made possible with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and thanks to National Lottery players.

About the Scottish Seabird Centre

The Scottish Seabird Centre is an award-winning marine conservation and education charity based in the coastal town of North Berwick, overlooking the Bass Rock gannet colony. They’ve been connecting people with this incredible seabird colony and the amazing wildlife that Scotland’s sea’s support for over 25 years. Their mission is to save seabirds and restore Scotland’s seas through conservation projects, learning programmes and unforgettable wildlife experiences. The Charity has led a range of high-profile conservation and education projects including the SOS Puffin initiative in the Firth of Forth.

The Scottish Seabird Centre is a registered charity: SC025837

Follow the Scottish Seabird Centre on Facebook/ScottishSeabirdCentre and Instagram/@seabirdcentre

For more information on the Scottish Seabird Centre visit: https://www.seabird.org/about-us About the RSPB

The RSPB is the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, protecting habitats, saving species, and helping to end the nature and climate emergency. For over a century we’ve acted for nature through practical conservation and powerful partnerships, campaigning and influence, and inspiring and empowering millions of people, including almost 1.2 million members. Our network of over 200 nature reserves sits at the heart of our world leading science and conservation delivery. Nature is in crisis, but together we can save it.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity. In England and Wales, no: 207076. In Scotland, no: SC037654. http://www.rspb.org.uk