Inverkeithing Bay

Inverkeithing Bay extends from North Queensferry in the south to Dalgety Bay in the east.^[1] The bay takes its name from Inverkeithing, southeast of the bay, which means "mouth of the river Keithing".^[2]

The bay has three inlets. The first is Port Laing, a small bay with a sandy beach.^[3] The second is Inner bay, the location of Inverkeithing harbour between East Ness and West Ness and the mouth of the River Keithing.^[1] The third is St David's harbour, now home to an exclusive housing development.^[4]

Inverkeithing Bay has long been a convenient sheltered crossing point of the Firth of Forth. A harbour in the bay, Inverkeithing Harbour, was first recorded in 1587.^[5] Since there have been harbours added at the East Ness and West Ness, as well as St David's harbour. A harbour was added at Port Liang inlet around 1898.^[3]

Between 1912 and 1914, a Royal Naval Air Station operated on the Port Liang inlet of Inverkeithing Bay. With three sheds, each containing a seaplane, this is said to be the first military air station in Scotland.^[3]

In 2003 the Fife Coastal Path opened, allowing visitors to walk around Inverkeithing Bay as part of the long-distance footpath - one of Scotland's Great Trails.^[6]

Inverkeithing Bay is designated a Ramsar Site, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protected Area.^[7]

Inverkeithing Bay is home to common seals, which bask on the rocks close to shore.^[4]

• 
  Inverkeithing Bay at sunset, with the Forth Bridge in background
• 
  Inverkeithing Bay beach, between Inverkeithing and Dalgety Bay
• 
  Inverkeithing Bay as drawn by Samuel Alken, March 1802.
• 
  Inverkeithing Inner Bay, as viewed from Inverkeithing Friary gardens.