Inchcolm
|
|
Inchcolm (Scottish Gaelic: Innis Choluim - Island of Columba) is an island in the Firth of Forth, east of the Forth Bridge, south of Aberdour, Fife, and north of the City of Edinburgh.
The main feature of the island is the medieval Inchcolm Abbey. In former times, and perhaps partly due to its dedication to Columba, it was sometimes nicknamed 'Iona of the East'.
The island can be broadly divided into three sections: the east, where its military defensive operations were centered during the Second World War, the lower central part, where the small natural harbour and shop are, and the larger west end, which is home to a large colony of seagulls and fulmars.
The island is inhabited by the custodian for Historic Scotland and his partner, who also run the shop and maintain the island. The island can only be reached by the public by the single ferry service from South Queensferry, the Maid of the Forth, found directly below the Forth Bridge.
External links
- Maid of the Forth (http://www.maidoftheforth.co.uk/) - ferry times and information
- Cyberscotia's page on the island (http://www.cyberscotia.com/inchcolm/) - including maps, drawings, and photographs