Scotland Community guide

South Queensferry

South Queensferry, City of Edinburgh · EH30 9RR

Rocky shore under the Forth bridges, named by The Scotsman as the best sea glass beach within easy reach of Edinburgh.

Rocky shoreline at South Queensferry with the red Forth Bridge reflected in the Firth of Forth
Photo: “Forth Bridge from South Queensferry” by Ian S, CC BY-SA 2.0

About South Queensferry

The shoreline at South Queensferry runs along the Firth of Forth beneath the three Forth bridges, with rocky coves either side of the old harbour. The Scotsman calls it the best bet for sea glass near Edinburgh, and recent collector reports describe a lot of glass, including rarer colours. The tide comes in quickly here, so keep an eye on it.

Sea glass at South Queensferry

Collectors report loads of glass in white, green and amber, plus aqua, teal, lavender, soft blue and black (very dark) glass. Watch the fast-rising tide.

Visiting South Queensferry

Safety
Check the tide times before you go and head out on a falling tide, so you're never cut off. Keep away from the bottom of cliffs, wear sturdy shoes on rocks, and only take sea glass and other man-made rubbish: pebbles, sand and shells should stay on the beach.
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From the community

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      Sources

      • scotsman.com : No. 5 on the Scotsman's 11 best Scottish sea glass beaches: 'your best bet' near Edinburgh.

      Last updated 23 October 2026

      Nearby

      More sea glass beaches near South Queensferry

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      Scotland © Richard Webb · CC BY-SA 2.0

      Silver Sands, Aberdour

      Aberdour, Fife · 7 miles away

      Popular sheltered Fife beach that local guides and collectors say gives a good amount of sea glass, especially after high tide.

      Scotland © Colin Park · CC BY-SA 2.0

      Burntisland Beach

      Burntisland, Fife · 9 miles away

      Large sandy and rocky town beach on the Forth where collectors find a good amount of common-colour sea glass.

      Scotland © Colin Park · CC BY-SA 2.0

      Pettycur Bay, Kinghorn

      Kinghorn, Fife · 10 miles away

      Sheltered sandy bay by Kinghorn where green glass from the old Pettycur bottle works still washes up, with browns and the odd blue.

      Scotland © Richard Webb · CC BY-SA 2.0

      Portobello Beach

      Portobello, City of Edinburgh · 12 miles away

      Edinburgh's seaside beach, where old glassworks and potteries left white and green sea glass and lots of pottery shards on the tideline.