Inverkeithing Bay is a bay on the north shore of the Firth of Forth in Scotland.
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 Liang, 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]