Brief Early History - The town's history dates from Norman times when a castle which overlooked the East Bay was constructed by the Earl of Fife. The harbour has been here since then, controlled by the nunnery which was paid for by the Earl. For many centuries a ferry carried pilgrims to Earlsferry, near Elie in Fife, making their way to St Andrews. This ferry was recently reinstated between North Berwick and Anstruther, in Fife, to commemorate the original ferry crossing. In the 1300s the castle fell into disuse and North Berwick became a thriving market town. It was not until the 19th century that North Berwick was transformed into a popular holiday resort, sometimes referred to as the "Biarritz of the North". In 1840 an open air swimming pool was constructed which proved very popular until it was closed recently.

Bass Rock, The Bass Rock is a massive crag rising out of the sea to a height of 350 feet and it is about a mile in circumference. From the East to West, through the Rock you will find a natural tunnel, but this is not accessible except at low tide. Halfway up the Rock stands the ruins of a Pre-Reformation Chapel which was dedicated to Saint Baldfred, and was consecrated in the year 1542. The Bass Rock has a long varied history, in records dating back to the era of Malcolm Canmore the first owner was Sir Robert Lauder around 1316. This family known as (Lauder of Bass) kept ownership of the rock for hundreds of years.

North Berwick Law, North Berwick is overshadowed by North Berwick Law, a 613ft lump of volcanic rock located just to the south of the town. It is visible for many miles in every direction and for the active, it offers views just as rewarding in return. Access to the top starts in the car park just off the B1347 and from there follow the path which makes its way in places steeply to the summit. You will find a Napoleonic signal station and an arch made from a pair of whale's jaw bones at the summit. When descending it is important to reverse your upward route as there are cliffs on the northern side not obvious from above.

Famous People - Robert Louis Stevenson who was born in Edinburgh in 1850 was an imaginative child and enjoyed many a family holiday in North Berwick where he first visited in 1862. It made a lasting impression on him. He later recalled playing as smugglers and pirates with his friends in a small cave at Point Garry, and climbing North Berwick Law with his cousins. Years later he described North Berwick as "A fishing village with drying nets, scolding wives, the smell of fish and seaweed and the blowing sands" and many of the local landmarks were a source of inspiration for him in his books, such as 'Kidnapped' and 'Catriona'.

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