Elie Ruby Bay

Elie Ruby Bay is a sheltered and sandy beach. It has a backdrop of dunes and is located to the east of Elie overlooking the Firth of Forth.

Watch Out for Wildlife

Most animals are well hidden, but one way of gaining a glimpse into their world is to explore a rock pool at low tide. You will see limpets and barnacles stuck fast on the rocks, safe in their shells, as they wait for the tide to cover them again. There are also snail-like periwinkles and dog whelks, and dark red sea anemones. If you gently move the seaweed aside you might find shore crabs or hermit crabs. You can also see a fast moving small fish such as a blenny, as it darts to the safety of the rocks.

Lots of shore birds come to feed on this rich marine harvest. Wading birds such as redshank and curlew use their long bills to probe in the sand for hidden worms and molluscs. Gulls can be seen flying overhead on the lookout for an easy meal. Sea duck such as eider can often be seen as they bob on the waves further out in the bay.

An additional attraction in Ruby Bay is the adjacent area of rough grassland which boasts a wonderful display of cowslips in spring and early summer. This is also a valuable site for skylarks, which nest in the area between March and July.

Beach Award

Elie Ruby Bay is the winner of a Keep Scotland Beautiful 2024 Scotland’s Beach Award.

To help you enjoy the beach, there are a number of designated wild camping pitches available. Look for signs pointing the way out of the car park.

Elie Ruby Bay toilets were newly built in 2022 and recognised in the national Loo of the Year Awards in 2023. One unit is open 24 hours. Find details on our Plan Your Trip section.

Our ‘Fringe of Gold’ Beaches leaflet can be downloaded from the Resources section of our website.

Please be aware that we operate a Parking Charge Notification scheme at Elie Ruby Bay. For full details visit FCCT Managed Parking.