Fort Point

About Fort Point

A right turn at the top of the path leads to the site of the Old Fort where earthworks clearly show the size of the former structure

Keep well clear of the dangerous cliff edge

Throughout the following years, it was fought over by the Scots the French and the English and was subject of contention during the last war between Scotland and England. It was finally demolished in 1560 in accordance with the treaty of Cateau- Cambresis when Queen Elizabeth I agreed to refrain from acts of aggression within Scotland.

Two cannon pointing seaward now take pride of place on the Point. The cannon are 32 pounders )from the weight of the shot) and were probably cast about 1830; pupils of Eyemouth High School restored the gun carriages in 1966 they were possibly set in their present position in the 1850s as a coastal defence during a ‘French Invasion Scare’ when a voluntary battery was established near the tip of the peninsula during the Second World War an anti aircraft battery was set up here.

On a clear day, there are stunning views across the bay and the town as well as north to St Abbs Head which is maintained by the National Trust for Scotland and open to the public.

The cliffs at Fort Point are also home to nesting fulmars and herring gulls. Thrift (sea pink) bird’s foot trefoil, sea campion and purple milk vetch all grow on the windswept cliff tops. Common blue and grayling butterflies can be seen here on warm summer days as well as migrant butterflies such as painted lady and red admiral. Out to sea in summer you may see long lines of gannets flying to or from the Bass Rock at the entrance to the Firth of Forth which is their nearest breeding site.

On the right, as you head down Fort Road is Barefoots Estate, which is named after a battle which is reputed to have been fought here in 1557 between the Scots and the English when the French were working on the fort The Scots are said to have been awoken in the early morning by the sea birds this alerted them to the approach of the English and they successfully defended their position although they had to Fight in their bare feet.