Seagull Island?

Journalist and historian Norman Watson wonders if readers have noticed the emergence of a “new” island in the middle of the River Tay, just east of Perth Bridge.

This, he says, is a rocky, flat island of stones which appears at low tide in the middle of the river, opposite the Royal George Hotel. He thinks it was created after the last major swelling of the river in December 2015, when Perth’s flood gate system was activated and the Queen’s Bridge closed.

“It can be about 50 metres in length by 10 metres or so wide and is quite prominent at low tide,” says Norman.

“Given that it is well established and seems to qualify as an island, perhaps it ought to have a name. I thought about Seagull Island, as our local flock didn’t take long to arrange an away day from Stanner’s Island nearby.

“Victoria Island might be a possibility as she enjoyed her stay at the hotel opposite so much that she added royal to its title and knighted its owner. I also considered wading into the river to claim it for Bridgend and Kinnoull, but chickened out!

“My favourite is Middle Inch, as we have the North and South Inches and this island, or ‘inch’, sits between them.

“How about some suggestions from Craigie readers and perhaps Perth & Kinross Council would jump on the bandwagon and sanction a new name.” supporting Social Bite’s major Housing First project, expected to take 800 rough sleepers off the streets by 2020.

Auchtermuchty postman Tom Reekie wearing his newly presented Imperial Service Medal. See top left for more details.

A “new” island in Perth. See above for more.