Isle of May Landing – Art on the Isle

Available: Selected dates in August and September

Places: Maximum 11 people
Suitable for: Ages 12 and over; all levels of artistic experience and ability

BlueWild and The Found Gallery offer you a unique art experience – a scenic boat tour and relaxed outdoor art class with optional guidance, and the freedom to roam the beautiful Isle of May.

The frenetic and bustling bird-breeding season has passed. Visitor numbers reduce and the island transitions to its more peaceful state, welcoming migrant birds, seals and now you – the artists.

If you’re picking up a pencil for the first time, returning to drawing or already have an established practice – you’re welcome. There’s no requirement to work in a particular medium or produce a finished artwork. You’ll have the materials, inspiration and opportunity to enjoy a creative day on a very special island.

• Sail from historic Dunbar harbour
• Your day begins with a crossing from Dunbar to the Isle of May – 11 miles out at the edge of the North Sea.
• Explore volcanic coastal cliffs by boat. You’ll learn about the island, its history and geography. Views from the water provide a visual context before we land and introduce some locations for the day’s activities.
• You land at the small jetty to spend three hours ashore
• Once ashore, you can choose to join our instructed course, draw on individual guidance or find your own spot to work independently.
• Our course offers short exercises in observation and mark-making, building through texture, composition and colour.
• Moving around the island to some select locations provides different subjects and viewpoints; time to develop your work – and with individual guidance along the way.
• Materials are provided, with the freedom to make the day your own.
• If the weather is unsuitable for outdoors, the island has a rich heritage of lighthouses, fog horns, engine rooms and architecture where you can work peacefully inside, looking out or capturing the internal structures, light and shadows.
• Throughout the day, you’re welcome to explore your own ideas and preferred materials, or step away from the guided sessions to work independently at any time. Enjoy the flexibility and freedom – remembering to return in good time for sailing.

On this tour..

• You’ll receive a complimentary drawing kit, containing graphite pencils, oil pastels, sharpener, eraser and paper, with a folio to carry your work home.
• The kit provides everything you need to take part in the guided course.
• If you prefer to bring your own materials then we’re happy to carry them on board.
• We have portable seats and drawing boards available for you – if you wish. Many people prefer to find a rock and settle down, before moving to another location.

Please note there are no..

• pick-ups at other harbours – this tour sails only from Dunbar harbour
• shops on the Isle of May – so please remember to take your snacks and drinks

Other information..

• Please arrive at least 20-30 minutes prior to sailing time for a safety briefing and fitting life jackets. If you are late, we cannot wait for you.
• We ask that you select tours suitable to you and consider other passengers on board. Our longer tours are less suited to very young children so our prices reflect this.
• You should be sufficiently mobile to board and disembark at harbour steps which might be steep, or small jetties which might be wet or slippy (e.g. with seaweed or seawater). We’ll help you board and if you have any doubts or concerns, then please contact us in advance.
• Wrap up warmly in the winter and springtime. In summer, bring clothing layers and a waterproof/wind jacket.
• Bring a snack, drink (we recommend no fizzy or carbonated drinks)
• Seating for all passengers is inside the cabin and there is also a viewing deck outside.
• Leave no Trace – For safety and to avoid disturbing wildlife please do not throw litter into the sea or on islands. Please put your litter in bins on board or take it back to shore with you and dispose of it responsibly.
• The Isle of May is a National Nature Reserve and visitor numbers are limited each day. This means that BlueWild tours can visit once with only 12 people per day. If a scheduled tour is fully booked, a separate private tour is not possible, and vice versa.