We recently went for a day trip out into the Firth of Forth to visit Inchcolm Island. Somewhere we’ve never visited before and to be honest, I didn’t even know it existed! We’ve visited other islands further out toward to the mouth of the estuary such as Isle of May and Bass Rock. But this trip was a first for us!
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How To Get To Inchcolm Island
Inchcolm Island is in the Firth of Forth around 4 miles from South Queensferry. You catch the ferry from South Queensferry out to the island, although it’s best booked in advance due to limited spaces. There are two ferry companies to choose from, Maid of the Forth or Forth Tours.
We chose to go with Maid of the Forth as it had an easy online booking system. When you book make sure you select the 3 hour landing trip. If you are a member of Historic Scotland then you can land for free (make sure to choose the Historic Scotland member prices for visiting the island), everyone else has to pay an additional landing fee. This additional fee is for the upkeep of the island and buildings.
What To See at Inchcolm Island
Inchcolm island is in the middle of the Firth of the Forth, an extremely important strategic location between the City of Edinburgh and Fife.
Inchcolm Abbey
It is said that King Alexander the 1st sheltered on the island in the 1100’s after a stormy crossing of the Forth. He promised to build a monastery on the island after he found safety on the island. He died the following year and his brother King David 1st invited Augustine canons to build an island priory. In 1235 the priory was given full abbey status.
The abbey is currently one of Scotland’s best preserved monastic buildings. Unfortunately the canons were forced to leave the abbey for periods throughout the middle ages. The main reason for this was due to English ships attacking the island.
The abbey is beautiful and is nestled on the grass above the twin beaches where you access the island. It’s fun to explore the many corridors, rooms and tiny narrow spiral staircases (don’t take a big bag!). The bell tower gives a great view out across the island and over the sea.
Wartime Conflict
Later in 1795 the island was fortified during the Napoleonic wars when the French threatened to invade. The island was further fortified for WW1 and WW2 to defend the Forth bridge, City of Edinburgh and the nearby naval base.
One of the most interesting parts of the fortifications is the WW1 tunnel though the middle of the island. This was to make transportation of guns and ammunition to this end of the island easier. It’s fun to walk through and imagine what it was like tin war time.
The gun buildings are all present at the North East end of the island, but all are sealed up.
Wildlife
During the spring and summer you will find plenty of seabird nesting on the island. Some of the signs warn you not to approach nesting birds as they may attack! Some seabirds can get quite vicious when protecting their eggs and chicks. So please look out for nesting areas and don’t upset any birdlife.
Expect to see a small colony of puffins on the island, alongside seals and other seabirds!
Read more posts about what to do in Edinburgh:
- Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh in Winter for their beautiful Christmas at the Botanics event.
- Edinburgh Castle of Light is an amazing winter spectacle too, both fun and educational too.
- Spend a weekend in the city with this Edinburgh weekend Itinerary.
- Visit Edinburgh’s ‘other’ castle, Craigmillar, an interesting castle with a lot of history!
- Go for a day trip to Inchcolm island, reached by boat from South Queensferry.
- Find the best things to do in Edinburgh for your next visit.
- Conifox Adventure Park is an excellent place for the kids to run off some energy, just on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
- At the end of June spend a day or two at the world famous Royal Highland Show!
- Stay at Eastside Cottages just outside Edinburgh, where you can get the best of the rural farm life and Edinburgh city life.
- Use this car parking company at Edinburgh Airport.
- Spend a day out at Edinburgh Castle with the kids!
- Enjoy another day out at the edge of Edinburgh visiting Cramond Island and beach.
Here Are All My Guides To Visiting The Scottish Islands!
- Shetland Islands – The most Northernly islands in Scotland, but so much to see!
- Orkney Islands – Beautiful islands filled with history and wildlife.
- Isle of Skye – Popular with tourists, great to visit in the quieter shoulder season.
- Isle of Tiree – Popular for Watersports, it has plenty of beaches and hikes.
- Isle of Mull – Rugged island with amazing wildlife, beaches and hikes.
- Isle of Iona – Famous for St Columba, it has fab beaches and hikes.
- Isle of Islay – Often referred to as the whisky island, it also has fab wildlife.
- Isle of Gigha – A small island, but so much to offer, beaches, trails and views.
- Isle of Bute – Great island close to mainland, don’t miss Mount Stuart!
- Isle of Kerrera – A small island with excellent tea room, great for a day trip from Oban.
- Inchcolm Island – Tiny island in the Firth of Forth, great day trip from Edinburgh.
Other Edinburgh Days Out
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