Inchcolm Abbey
Inchcolm Abbey gallery
Set sail for a very special island in the Firth of Forth – home to the best-preserved group of monastic buildings in Scotland. Originally a priory founded by David I, the abbey saw conflict as well as calm.
The island is also famed for its seals and other wildlife, and its coastal defences from the two World Wars. These were put in place to protect Rosyth naval base, the Forth Bridge and Edinburgh.
Today, visitors can breathe in the abbey’s dramatic location, which is best seen from the water as the boat docks at the island.
Once back on dry land, get a sense of monastic life as you wander round the remarkably complete cloister. Seek out the rare medieval fresco, a wall painting which dates from the 13th century. Inside the bell tower you'll fine the stone screens, rare survivals of medieval church fixtures.
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