Inchcolm
From Free net encyclopedia
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 in Scotland.
The main feature of the island is the former Augustinian Inchcolm Abbey (Historic Scotland), Scotland's most complete surviving example of a monastic house. In former times, and perhaps partly due to its dedication to Columba, it was sometimes nicknamed 'Iona of the East'.
The island has a hogback stone (preserved in the Abbey's visitor centre, with other examples of early stonework), which may be Scotland's earliest example (late 10th century?), of a type of monument originating among Danish settlers in northern England. A medieval source records that it was formerly associated with a cross.
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. Seals are commonly spotted around the island and basking on neighbouring outcrops.
The island is inhabited by the Historic Scotland steward (custodian) and his partner, who also run the shop and maintain the island. Inchcolm can be reached by the public by the ferry service from South Queensferry, the Maid of the Forth, found directly below the Forth Bridge.
External links
- Maid of the Forth - ferry times and information
- Cyberscotia's page on the island - including maps, drawings, and photographs