Latest News

This week is the annual Ferry Fair week, it is a fantastic week full of events and fun for all the family.

The Hawes Pier car park will be home to the funfair, so will be unavailable this week. Parking will be limited. Please do consider using public transport or alternatively please give yourself plenty of time to find on road parking.

For further advice please contact us directly on 0131 331 5000 or email info@maidoftheforth.co.uk

Today is the return of the Annual Forth Bridge abseil, traffic will be busier and parking will be at a premium. Please give yourself plenty of time to make your way here and find a parking space. Please call us on 0131 331 5000 if you are running late.

04/03/2024 All dates for 2024 now published

We are thrilled to unveil the full array of cruise options for 2024, catering to a diverse range of interests. In addition to daytime and sunset evening cruises with entertainment, we are now offering specialist experiences such as engineering cruises for tech enthusiasts, seal pup cruises for wildlife lovers, and themed music cruises including Jazz and Folk for music aficionados. From bird watching to seal spotting and enjoying live music on deck, there is something for everyone to enjoy while cruising the open waters. Start planning your unforgettable adventures today!

18/02/2024 2024 schedule published!

Our 2024 schedule is now live on the website with most of our daytime and evening cruises available to book.

Check out all the options online, with daytime sightseeing cruises and trips to Inchcolm Island available from 29th March, and our evening cruise season from 17th May.

As always, if you have any queries please contact our office on 0131 331 5000.

We look forward to welcoming you onboard!

08/10/2023 Charity Abseil 08.10.23

On Sunday 8th October, there is a charity abseil from the Forth Rail bridge, traffic will be busier in the area,  as will parking. Please ensure you allow yourselves plenty of time in order to find parking and to collect your tickets from our office.

Just a reminder to all passengers hoping to visit us this week. South Queensferry Fair week begins on Monday 7th August. Hawes Pier car park will be unavailable throughout this week, due to the fairground being present. So please allow plenty of time to find suitable parking or use public transport when you can. Please contact us on 0131 331 5000 for further information.

08/04/2023 Guided Walking Tours on Inchcolm now available

Our amazing tour guide Canon Mark is again offering his exclusive guided tours of Inchcolm Abbey.

These are available to book on our website, or you can add it to any available Inchcolm Landing Trip.

If you would like to know more about this option feel free to call our office on 0131 331 5000.

05/04/2023 Our 2023 Season is underway

We are pleased to be back on the water with our daily sailings.

Most of our cruises are now available to book either on this website or by calling 0131 331 5000.

21/09/2022 The Maid is a must do trip in Edinburgh

A trip on the Maid has been listed as one of the top things to do whilst in Edinburgh by AboutBritian.com. Not only are our cruises award winning, they are also a highlight when you visit Edinburgh. We are delighted to be featured.The full article can be read here:

https://www.aboutbritain.com/articles/fun-things-to-do-in-edinburgh-for-adults.asp

08/08/2022 Ferry Fair week 8th - 14th August

Just a reminder that this week is Ferry Fair week here in South Queensferry. This is a fantastic event and is worth a visit. If you are booked on a boat trip and are driving here, just be aware that there is no access to Hawes Pier car park as the funfair will be present.

So please use public transport if you can or allow plenty of time to find a parking space.

If you need any further information, please contact us directly on 0131 331 5000.

14/04/2022 2022 Update

We are delighted to be back in the water and we have enjoyed our first 2 weeks of what is set to be a fantastic and busy 2022 season. Our RSPB bird watchingcruises are back, as are our famous  evening sunset cruises. We have a full schedule of tours to delight and entertain all the family. 

31/10/2021 End of 2021 Season

Although today is the last day of our main season when you can visit Inchcolm Island, we do still have some availability on our November Seal Pup Cruises.

Our shop and office will remain open daily 10am - 4pm up until Christmas for enquiries and any purchases of gifts and vouchers.

Outwith these times you can email us or leave a voicemail message and a member of the team will get in touch as soon as possible.

Thank you to all of our lovely customers for their support in what has been a challenging, but amazing season.

09/08/2021 Ferry Fair week 9th - 15th August

This week in South Queensferry is the annual Ferry Fair, there is a one way system in operation along Queensferry high street. The car park at Hawes Pier is closed due to the fairground being present. We would advise passengers to allow time to find suitable parking, or use public transport instead. You can contact the office directly on 0131 331 5000 for for further information.

13/06/2021 Extra Date RSPB Birdwatching Cruise

Due to the Birdwatching Cruise on 30th May selling out, we have added an extra date.

Book now for our exclusive 3hr RSPB Birdwatching cruise departing at 1745 on Sunday 13th June, spaces for 30th May cruise sold out quickly so don't delay.

Adults £20, Concession £18, Child £10

30/05/2021 RSPB BIrdwatching Cruise

Book now for our exclusive 3hr RSPB Birdwatching cruise, spaces are going fast so don't delay.

Adults £20, Concession £18, Child £10

23/12/2020 End of Season Closure

As our 2020 season has now drawn to a close, we'd like to thank all our customers for joining us this year.

We will be back for the 2021 season in the spring, so keep an eye here and on our social media for details of our schedule.

Our shop and office will close at 1pm on Wednesday 23rd December and will remain closed whilst the new tier 4 restrictions are in place.

Emails and admin will be monitored after the Christmas and New Year break and a member of the team will be able to answer any queries by email from Wednesday 6th January.

Any enquiries should be sent to info@maidoftheforth.co.uk

Lets hope 2021 is not quite so challenging, and we'd like to wish everyone a safe and happy festive period.

16/12/2020 Festive Winter Criuse

Join us on Saturday 19th December for our final Festive Winter Cruise of the year.

We will be serving mince pies and mulled wine (with hot chocolate option for the kids) while you enjoy the views from our warm and comfortable lounge.

Bookings can be made online on our sightseeing cruise page or by calling the office on 0131 331 5000.

Our shop/office opening hours are:

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10am - 1pm

Saturday and Sunday 12-4pm

We will be closed for the festive period from Thursday 24th December until Wednesday 6th January.

27/08/2020 Inchcolm is open

We are delighted to announce that we’ve been giving permission to land on the historic island this week with cruises confirmed for Thursday through to Sunday. Then we’ll be landing again Wed 2nd September through to Sunday 6th (with later dates to be announced ASAP).

There’s only one landing trip per day with restricted numbers allowed on board to keep you safe. 

Tickets available on the website so hurry hurry! 

14/07/2020 Welcome back we are now open again

We have now officially reopened following the COVID -19 lockdown and look forward to welcoming you all back on board.  There obviously are a few changes to our operation to ensure your safety on board, we will be restricting the number of passengers on board to comply with social distancing rules and all passengers must wear a face covering when on board and use the hand sanitiser prior to boarding.  Our ticketing system has also changed, you MUST prebook online and then come straight to the boat with your reference number.  The ticket office and gift shop will remain open with a one way system but we want to reduce the number of people passing through there.  I hope you understand that these are challenging times for us all and it may take us a while to sort out the finer details of our operation but we are taking it very gently to start with so please be patient.  Historic Environment Scotland expect to have Inchcolm Abbey opened again in August, before then we are offering a reduced price landing option where the 'Maid' will remain at the island during your visit so that you can use the facilities on board at any time.  We hope to see you all again soon, but due to our vastly reduced capacity, advance bookings is required.

Sadly we have taken the decision not to run any Jazz cruises this year, this is to protect the health of our fantastic Jazz band members who are not getting any younger,  Folk music cruises and Fizz on the Forth will resume once Government restrictions allow.

01/03/2020 Price Update 2020

After 3 years of our prices remaining the same, there will be a small increase for the 2020 season. The good news is that any tickets booked before the 1st April will be charged at the 2019 price. 

19/11/2019 Gift Vouchers available

Our sailing season may be finished, but our office is very much open, so pop in to purchase gift vouchers for 2020.

Our office is open Mon - Fri 10-4 and Sat & Sun 12-5.

We look forward to seeing you all.

https://awards.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/vote-2019/

We are delighted that once again we have been nominated for the ( Day out with the kids) Best Educational Day out in Scotland 2019.

As a small family run business, these nominations are fantastic for us and we very much appreciate everyone who takes the time to vote for us.

05/08/2019 Ferry Fair Week 5th -11th August

This week in South Queensferry is the annual Ferry Fair, there is a one way system in operation along Queensferry high street. The car park at Hawes Pier is closed due to the fairground being present. We would advise passengers to allow time to find suitable parking, or use public transport instead. You can contact the office directly on 0131 331 5000 for for further information.

04/08/2019 Custom Bike Show August 4th 10-6pm

On Sunday, the Bikers Cove is hosting a custom bike show in aid of the RNLI. This is going to be an extremely busy event and there will be limited parking at Hawes Pier. If you are coming out for a cruise on the Maid, or just coming along to support the Bikers Cove, we suggest travelling by public transport, or if driving, allowing yourself plenty of time to find parking.

14/07/2019 High speed RIB trip

We have limited spaces for our popular 1 hour high speed RIB trip on Sunday at 12pm.

This is an exhilarating experience and tickets are going quickly.

Contact 0131 331 5000 to book now.

Don't miss out.

26/06/2019 Inchcolm Island closed 26.6.19

Due to work being carried out on the pier at Inchcolm Island, it will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday the 26th June.

For further information you can contact us on 0131 331 5000 or email info@maidoftheforth.co.uk

23/06/2019 Seafari Spaces available

We have 6 spaces available for our popular 1hr high speed RIB trip on Sunday 23rd at 12pm.

Tickets are £28 per adult and £22 per child (aged 8-16).

Call 0131 331 5000 to book now.

31/05/2019 Seafari RIB trips available

We only have 5 spaces available for our popular 1hr 3 Bridges and 3 Islands left on the 8th June at 1430.

Book now to avoid disappointment, £22 per child, £28 per adult.

Not suitable for under 8's pregnant ladies or those with back and mobility problems.

19/05/2019 Cruise Ship dates May/June

We have a number of Cruise ships visiting South Queensferry in May/June, on these days we cannot operate any tours.

The dates are: Wednesday 22nd May, Thursday 23rd May, 3rd June, 10th June, 15th June, 27th & 28th June.

We will update the page further with cruise dates after June.

16/05/2019 Inchcolm Island re opening

Inchcolm Island will be reopened on the 16th May 2019, so join us for the 1215 sailing as we venture back onto this beautiful and Historical Island.

02/05/2019 Maid of the Forth be with you

In celebration of May the Fourth, we're inviting littles ones onboard for FREE* this Saturday if they arrive in costume of their favourite Star Wars character. 

Climb onboard the Maid and join in our adventures and who knows, we may even spot a Straighter in the sky! 

*One free child per adult. 

Pic @welcometofife

16/04/2019 More exclusive offers

The fantastic Picnic Coffee shop along Queensferry High Street is offering Maid Passengers 2 for 1 on tea & coffee *. While you are there, why not try their delicious range of freshly made sandwiches and cakes.

*Please present either your till receipt or sailing ticket at the time of ordering, valid until 31.10.19

09/04/2019 Delayed opening of Inchcolm

Unfortunately we have just had word that there have been further delays in the ongoing pier works at Inchcolm Island.  Historic Scotland have now advised that the new proposed opening date will be sometime in mid May.

We understand that this is very disappointing for our regular customers and for those who had planned a trip to Inchcolm during their vacation, but this is unfortunately outwith our control.

We will still be running our sight seeing cruises until opening which give fantastic views of the the abbey, wildlife and the iconic bridges.

If you have already made a booking with us to visit Inchcolm before the current opening date, we will be in touch with you shortly to discuss options.

29/03/2019 Exclusive offers for Maid passengers

We are happy to be working with Orocco Pier, an award winning Hotel, restaurant and cafe bar that offers breath taking views over the Forth.  So after a cruise on the Maid why not visit the Samphire Seafood Bar & Grill for a fantastic 2 or 3 course meal. You can choose 2 courses for £12.45pp or 3 courses for £15.45pp, why not add a glass of wine and enjoy the stunning views in beautiful surroundings.

09/03/2019 2019 Season about to start

Well, its been a busy winter for us this year, the Maid has been treated to new rubber fendering along the port side and the whole top deck has been shotblasted and painted so she is looking great for the start of the season.  Our annual MCA surveys are due to take place in the next week so we are all ready to start on the 2nd April 2019