The nature reserve has a massive colony of grey seals.
A nature reserve’s population of more than 200,000 seabirds and massive colony of grey seals could soon have a new neighbour.
Plans have been drawn up for a visitor centre on the Isle of May in the Firth of Forth.
Scottish Natural Heritage has applied for planning permission from Fife Council.
Forth area manager Iain Rennick said: “We want as many people as possible to experience what is one of the top wildlife spectacles in Scotland nearly 200,000 seabirds in the peak season at first hand.
“The island receives about 9,000 visitors a year, playing an important role in the local economy on both sides of the Forth through visitor spend, work on the boats and use of local contractors for maintenance on the island.
“The current visitor centre is reaching the end of its life. It’s a 40-year-old wooden prefab building, originally built to accommodate researchers.”
A more accessible building is planned, designed to complement the landscape using island stone and a turf roof.
Bird and seal experts who work on the island have been consulted to ensure the structure has minimal impact on the wildlife.
