by Norman Hunter
Inchcolm, in the middle of the Firth of Forth (Gaelic for Columba’s Island), may not be as well known as Bute, Arran or Cumbrae in the Clyde but this small outcrop has one of the best preserved 12th century ruined abbeys in Scotland….and a history that many will find difficult to trace in traditional books on bygone Scotland.
The Maid of the Forth arrives at Inchcolm
Accessible by two commercial boats – we travelled on the Maid of the Forth, a family-owned ferry operation – Inchcolm is only 25 minutes from the slipway terminal located directly below the towering Forth Railway Bridge at South Queensferry.
The original monastery on the island, whose sanctity goes back to St Colm, was elevated to abbey status in 1235 and throughout the 1300s was often raided by marauding English forces. In 1385 the island was attacked and plundered by the English who were later cornered, apprehended and ‘dealt with’ by Scottish knights on the South Queensferry shore!
It was also used, in the 16th and 17th centuries, as a place of quarantine for plague victims and during the two great wars as part of Scotland’s coastal defence. Inchcolm was fortified to protect Edinburgh. Around the island there are still remnants of what was a formidable artillery battery.
Inchcolm is still inhabited but only by Historic Scotland’s caretaker, who, with a small band of helpers, keeps this small outcrop in immaculate condition for visitors to enjoy. There is a small visitors centre run by Historic Scotland and well stocked souvenir shop.
There are eight main islands in the Firth of Forth. Looking eastwards from Inchcolm, is the famous Bass Rock with its colony of 150,000 gannets and closer, the island of Inchkeith, owned by Sir Tom Farmer of ‘Quickfit’ fame.
It’s true, we often look to foreign shores for holiday destinations…but Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth and places like Inchcolm should not be missed. After all, they are on the doorstep. Inchcolm is well worth a visit.