Inchcolm Island

24 September 2018

 

Participants: Neil and Ben

Where: Inchcolm Island, 34m/112', P34m, TuMP/SIB, OS 65/66, NT 1`87824

 

A visit to Inchcolm had been on my radar for a long time. Somewhere else that I'd never been to while I lived in Edinburgh. Spring, summer and early autumn were ruled out because there is a large gull colony on the island and a visit to the high point is a bit fraught. I also needed really clear weather as the views are something special. Everything came together at last- and I also found out that dogs were permitted, although the lead had to stay on.

 

Inchcolm is named after St Colm and the monastery there was established in the 1100s as an Augustinian priory becoming an abbey in 1235. Buildings were added and altered over time and the conflict between Scotland and England reached even this small island. After the Reformation, the site passed to the Earls of Moray. The island entered a new chapter with military use during WW1 and WW2. A large number of fortresses were built, the defences have been largely demolished but the foundations remain. So there was a lot to see during our 90 minutes ashore.

 

The Maid of the Forth is based at South Queensferry beside the Forth rail bridge.....

 

 

There was a good view back to the bridge shortly after passing under it.....

 

 

The on board commentary was excellent, describing all the points of interest as we passed them. This is a tug stationed beside the oil terminal at Braefoot Bay.....

 

 

and this is the terminal itself.....

 

 

Inchcolm coming into view.....

 

 

The Maid of the Forth at Inchcolm.....

 

 

Walking towards the abbey.....

 

 

 

We had a look round the abbey, it's remarkably complete and would justify a visit on its own and then headed for the highest point on the island.....

For such a low lying summit, the view was amazing. Looking towards the Forth bridges.....

A view back to the abbey with the eastern "hill" beyond. This is where most of the fortifications are.....

 

The visitor centre and the eastern hill.....

The eastern hill provides the classic view of the abbey.....

and a view down the Firth with the Isle of May on the horizon.....

The sun was in the wrong place to get good photographs south to Edinburgh and the Pentlands but by using some trees as cover I managed to get this one of the city with Arthurs Seat and the Castle prominent.....

On the way back, we detoured under the three bridges, what amazing structures. Despite the smooth, modern look of the most recent, the Queensferry crossing, in my eyes it is still the original rail bridge that is the most impressive.....

 

I can highly recommend this trip, three hours worth of interest and unusual views of familiar places.