Inchcolm

Inchcolm ( Gaelic: Innis Choluim, Island of St. Columba ) is an island in the Firth of Forth in Scotland. On the island there is among other things a medieval abbey of Augustinian canons.

Geography

Inchcolm is located in the Firth of Forth to the south of Fife, north of Edinburgh, east of the Forth Bridge. The island is located about 930 meters from the northern coast between Aberdour and Dalgety Bay and 700 meters from the local pier.

History

Originally called Emona or Aemonia, Inchcolm was probably used during the Roman period of its fleet. 567, it was visited by the Irish monk Columba of Iona. From this time, a simple stone building dates back to the island, which still stands today. The Hogback Inchcolm is one of the few of its kind in Scotland.

1547, the island was occupied by the British. The island is mentioned in Shakespeare's Macbeth, among others.

During the First and the Second World War, the island was fortified to protect the nearby Edinburgh.

Abbey

1123 a priory was founded by Alexander I in 1235 and collected by the priory to the Abbey. During the Scottish Wars of Independence, it was repeatedly attacked by the English. After the Scottish Reformation the abbey was dissolved. Because of its insularity but she remained largely spared from destruction and is still in good condition.

Fauna

To the west of the island is a breeding colony of gulls and fulmars. Around the island there are seals.