Mugdrum Island Island

Mugdrum Island is a small, uninhabited island in the estuary of the River Tay off the coast of Fife in Scotland, noted locally as a wildlife-rich river island.

Low-lying reedbeds, mudflats and sheltered shoreline characterise the island and make it of interest to birdwatchers and naturalists; there are no formal visitor facilities and visits require private boat access.

Formed naturally within the Tay estuary, the island has been used in the past for grazing and small-scale willow or reed cutting; it has been uninhabited in modern times.

The island sits close to the village of Newburgh on the southern shore of the Tay estuary in Fife, with the city of Dundee on the opposite bank of the river.

• Access: Only reachable by private boat or kayak; there are no visitor facilities on the island.
• Wildlife: Important river-island habitat for waterfowl and waders, especially at high and low tides.

Mugdrum Island sits in the River Tay near the village of Newburgh in Fife. There are no public ferries to the island; access is by private boat only. Reach Newburgh by local roads from nearby centres (Dundee or Perth), launch from a local slip or arrange a local boat operator to cross the Tay; river conditions and landowner permission can affect landing.

• Mugdrum Island is accessible only by private boat or kayak; landings depend on tidal state so plan to arrive around slack water and avoid strong River Tay currents.
• The island is a valuable wildlife site-minimise disturbance, avoid bird‑nesting areas, and expect soft, muddy shores where careful, minimal-impact landings are necessary.