History

North Berwick's story has always been tied to the sea. It began as a small ferry port, with pilgrims crossing the Firth of Forth to Earlsferry in Fife on their way to St Andrews. The town grew around its harbour, which was established by the 12th century, becoming a modest royal burgh. The coastline here, however, holds a darker chapter in its history. In the late 16th century, North Berwick was the epicentre of a series of infamous witch trials, one of the most significant moral panics in Scottish history, where dozens of people, mostly women, were accused of witchcraft and consorting with the devil to raise storms against King James VI’s ship.

The town’s modern character was forged in the 19th century. The arrival of the railway in 1850 transformed North Berwick from a quiet harbour town into a fashionable holiday resort for wealthy Edinburgh families. Grand villas and hotels were built to accommodate the summer visitors, and the town became famous for its golf courses and beautiful beaches. This elegant Victorian legacy, combined with its enduring connection to the sea, has shaped the prosperous and lively town that visitors enjoy today.