Mugdrum Island

Mugdrum Island lies in the Firth of Tay on Scotland’s east coast, opposite Newburgh in Fife. It is a low-lying island covered in reeds, covering about 22.5 hectares. The Tay splits here into two deep channels called the North Deep and the South Deep. It is the only significant island in the firth. The island was once owned by Lindores Abbey and was called Redinche in its charter. The abbey’s founder, David Earl of Huntingdon, gave the monks fishing rights around the island. The island later became part of the Mugdrum estate near Newburgh. For centuries it was farmed, growing cereals, potatoes, turnips and reeds for thatch. The last tenant left in 1926. It is now a nature reserve managed by the Tay Valley Wildfowlers’ Association. The abbey once held a fish trap in the channel for its own use. The island’s name may come from either ‘red island’ or ‘reed island’. Visitors find a quiet, reedy landscape with few buildings. The reserve offers views across the firth to Newburgh. Reed beds provide shelter for birds and wildlife. The island’s past as a farm is still visible in old field patterns. The North Deep and South Deep channels frame the island on either side. The Tay Valley Wildfowlers’ Association maintains paths for gentle exploration. The setting remains peaceful, far from busy roads.