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Inchcolm Island Cruise Explore the island

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Relax onboard our Inchcolm Island Cruise with friends and family and listen to the guided commentary while you enjoy a beverage or snack from the bar.

Take in the spectacular views of Inchcolm Island, the Three Bridges, the beautiful panoramas of the Edinburgh skyline to the south and the Kingdom of Fife to the north, the island of Inchcolm with its medieval abbey, and the islands of Inchgarvie, Inchkeith, and Inchmickery.

And don’t forget to look out for the marine wildlife including seals and puffins!

Explore the island’s historic Abbey

The ‘Iona of the east’ one of the best-preserved group of monastic buildings in Scotland. The Island is also a haven for wildlife and is well-known for its wartime coastal defences.

(You must purchase a landing pass to land on Inchcolm Island. You will be on the island for a minimum of 90-minutes)

Wildlife & the sights!

On your Three Bridges Cruise look out for the marine wildlife including many seabirds, seals, puffins, and watch out for the occasional porpoise.

Guests are welcome to enjoy the sea breeze and views from the outside decks. If the weather is less inviting, the observation lounge has fantastic views. A guided commentary means you won’t miss a thing wherever you sit. And, of course, you will get to see the Three Bridges as you have never seen them before.

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Hawes Pier South Queensferry, EH30 9TB OR Port Edgar Marina South Queensferry, EH30 9SQ

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Alyssa O Writes

day trip to Inchcolm Island from Edinburgh: An offbeat adventure

So I’m gonna let you in on a little secret. I’ve got a thing for abandoned places. And islands. And boat travel. Luckily, I was able to combine all three of these things on my adventure to Inchcolm Island and Inchcolm Abbey from Edinburgh! This easy day trip is a quirky, magical little journey that set my inner explorer into overdrive. Sail the Firth of the Forth with me and take the Inchcolm Island Ferry. Come wander the abandoned Inchcolm Abbey with me (watch out for the twisty staircase!). Get the skinny on the Three Bridges and Inchcolm Island boat tour. I’ve got your guide to the ultimate offbeat Inchcolm Island day trip.

Then it’s seals, lighthouses and seabirds ahoy! What are you waiting for mateys? Grab your life vests and let’s get going!

Inchcolm Abbey is the best-preserved monastic building in Scotland

Why Visit Inchcolm Island?

Inchcolm Island first caught my eye a few years ago. I was traveling north by train, crossing Edinburgh’s Firth of the Fourth, a large estuary where several Scottish rivers meet the North Sea. As we soared across the Forth Railway bridge, we got a bird’s eye view of the islands scattered across the waters of the Forth. I noticed that some of these islands had abandoned buildings on them.

Exploring the History of the Forth’s Abandoned Islands

A quick bit of research revealed that Edinburgh’s forgotten Forth Islands have played host to all kinds of mysteries across the centuries; from abandoned WWII forts, to castle ruins to a syphilis quarantine zone. And yes, and abandoned 12th century abbey.

That was it. I knew in my heart I was destined to come back and explore some of these islands.

Grab a pal and go! My accomplice on this trip was fellow writer and explorer Alex Penland

A day trip to Inchcolm Island and Inchcolm Abbey from Edinburgh really packs a punch in terms of variety of things to explore. An easy 20 minute train ride from Edinburgh’s Waverly train station, you’ll first arrive in the charming town of North Queensferry. North Queensferry is worth a visit all on it’s own. It’s also an ideal place to stop for an alfresco lunch before you head across the street to hop on your boat ride.

From there you’ll be treated to a sweeping view of the architectural wonders of the three major bridges that span the Firth of the forth. Get ready to catch unparalleled views of Edinburgh’s skyline from the water and get up close and personal with seals and other marine life on the Three Bridges and Inchcolm Island boat tour.

Then once you’re on the island…are you brave enough to traverse the steep staircase of the Inchcolm Abbey bell tower to scope out a medieval fresco? Skulk through underground tunnels and dodge seabirds to see an amazing vista? Or perhaps you’d like to do a bit of sea kayaking?

It’s all within reach on your Inchcolm Island day trip…

View of the three bridges from the top of Inchcolm Island

Looking for more easy day trips from Edinburgh? Check out my post on Berwick Upon Tweed!

Inchcolm Abbey’s exterior…are you ready to take a peek inside?

Interactive Map

I made you a little interactive map with all of the places listed in this guide. Click on the pins to learn more about each destination including directions, opening times, phone number, web address, contact info, reviews, and more. Enjoy!

Getting to Inchcolm Island

The Forth Railway Bridge is truly a marvel to see from the water

It is possible to get to Inchcolm Island and Inchcolm Abbey from Edinburgh (mostly) using public transit.

From Edinburgh’s Waverly train station, hop the train to North Queensferry. North Queensferry is about a twenty minute train ride from central Edinburgh. At the time of writing this, an off-peak single return ticket costs between 6.10 and 9.80 GBP.

You’ll want to get off at the stop before North Queensferry, Dalmeny, as it’s slightly closer to the pier where the Three Bridges and Inchcolm Island tour leaves from.

From Dalmeny station, follow the path downhill. This is a wooded path with some steep stairs involved, so if you have any mobility issues, please take care.

The path will bring you to the waterfront. Hawes Pier , where sightseeing cruises from North Queensferry depart, is right across the street.

Take a moment to snap a dramatic photo at the Three Bridges viewpoint, or if you’re early, stop for lunch!

Lunch in North Queensferry

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Railbridge Bistro (@therailbridge)

North Queensferry is an adorable town well worth a day trip in my opinion.

But you’ve got adventures to have today!

Why not fuel for fun with an alfresco lunch at The Railbridge Bistro? I’ve eaten here a few times now and it never disappoints. Lovely food, lovely staff. They even have nice little souvenir shop and a stand that sells dairy free ice cream.

It’s a perfect place to kill time before your tour because you can keep tabs on the boats arriving at Hawes Pier from their outdoor dining area.

Inchcolm Island Ferry

Trying to find information on the Inchcolm Island Ferry was the most frustrating part of planning this trip. That’s because (spoiler alert!) There is no such thing as the Inchcolm Island ferry. At least, not in the sense of a public boat that shuttles you back and forth from the island.

I’ll save you some hassle: in order to get to Inchcolm Island and Inchcolm Abbey, you’re going to have to book a private boat tour.

That’s okay because I’ve found a great one that I want to share with you. The Three Bridges Boat Tour will be your ticket to your offbeat Inchcolm Island day trip.

Three Bridges and Inchcolm Island Tour

The boat ride was a shutterbug’s dream come true! Photo Credit: Alex Penland

The Edinburgh three bridges cruise is a 90-minute boat tour of the wonders of the Firth of the Forth that can include a visit to Inchcolm Island and Incholm Abbey if you want it to.

The Three Bridges boat tour embarks from Hawes Pier and first takes you on a leisurely cruise around the Forth to check out the architectural wonders of the three bridges. You’ll also pass by Inchgarvie Island up close, with an abandoned fortress dating back to 1513.

This narrated boat tour gives you some excellent background on Edinburgh’s maritime history. It also allows you to catch a very rare view of Edinburgh’s skyline from the water, which I enjoyed immensely.

On the way, we were treated to a small detour to watch seals happily sunning themselves on a buoy, something you definitely wouldn’t get on a regular ferry ride.

The boat docks in a small harbor on Inchcolm Island and those of us who were interested in exploring the Island disembarked.

Note: If you wish to go onto the island, you’ll be subject to the Inchcolm Island landing fee of 7.50 GBP. This goes toward preserving the Island’s historical attractions and natural environment.

I highly recommend booking your boat cruise in advance as the boat can get pretty crowded on a nice day. You want to make sure you get your preferred times.

Exploring Inchcolm Island

The ruins of Inchcolm Abbey

When you arrive on Inchcolm Island the staff at Three Bridges boat tour will inform you of the time the next boat will arrive to collect you and return you to the mainland. Usually they leave you with about 90 minutes to explore, but we were lucky on our visit and got a whole two hours.

Inchcolm Island has a visitor’s center with some interactive exhibits, a gift shop and cafe, and toilet facilities.

When you first arrive, a guide will meet you at the ridge between the gift shop and the Abbey and give you a general overview of the island. After that, you’re on your own.

The island is small enough that you can explore the entire place self guided, on foot. There are a few areas that tourists are not allowed to go, but they will be clearly marked.

Another thing to watch out for is nesting sea birds. We visited in early June, which is prime nesting season. The rocky paths up and down the island were dotted with nests and very highly guarded by some aggressive mother birds.

Understandably, we were warned to keep strictly to the paths and to stay out of the way of dive bombing mamas!

Inchcolm Abbey

The stone facade of Inchcolm Abbey

Did you know that Shakespeare makes mention of Inchcolm Abbey in Macbeth? In fact, a few local theater companies have mounted stage performances of the Scottish Play in Inchcolm Abbey over the years. What could be more dramatic?

Inchcolm Abbey is also the best preserved monastic quarters in all of Scotland. The cloisters, chapter house, warming house and refractory are all still intact, so you can pretend you’ve stepped through a portal to the past as you wander around, if that’s your jam.

If you are brave enough to take the steep stairs up to the bell tower, you’ll be rewarded with a view of a rare medieval fresco. I was too much of a wimp to go up to the bell tower (fear of heights and fear of close spaces, check!)however if those things don’t freak you out, I’m told it really is well worth the climb and more than just a musty old stair.

Alex was brave enough to climb the steep steps to the bell tower!

For the history nerd in you, Inchcolm Island was established as a priory in 1140 by David I, after his brother Alexander had a dream about building an abbey on the Island after sheltering there during a storm.

So I guess what I’m saying is that this island has been inspiring everyone from religious leaders, to royalty, to great playwrights for centuries.

Why not allow it to inspire you?

Feeling inspired in the Abbey.

Craving another easy day trip from Edinburgh? Why not give Rosslyn Chapel a try?

Seabirds and Wildlife

The view of Edinburgh from Inchcolm Island, as seen through the spring’s Queen Anne’s Lace

As I touched on before, Inchcolm Island is critical to Scotland’s ecosystem as a nesting place for seabirds such as seagulls, and even puffins depending on the season. Respectful bird watching is both allowed and encouraged on the island.

The best place to scope out the variety of bird life is on the hill just above the visitor’s center. Take care as you go up the steep steps. I learned on my visit to Inchcolm Island that seagulls actually like to make nests in rocky pockets close to the ground. If you don’t watch your step you could end up disturbing some hatchlings.

See what I’m doing in this photo? Just don’t do it. Seriously, it’s dumb. I’m standing only a few feet away from a nest of hatchlings.

There’s also a very nifty tunnel that will take you from one side of the island to the other. Just make sure you bring something that lights up because it can get dark in there.

Do birds freak you out? You can pretty much avoid close encounters with birds by skipping the hill and sticking to the abbey and the beach areas.

There’s other wildlife to see on Inchcolm Island anyways. It’s also a home to oyster beds and some very lazy seals.

Outdoor Activities on Inchcolm Island

Yes, those are gnomes! One of Inchcolm Island’s caretakers definitely has a sense of humor.

I noticed some sea kayakers pulling their boats onto the beach as we arrived. This looked like an amazing experience so of course I had to do some research…

Dun Eideann Sea Kayaking does half day sea Kayaking tours to Inchcolm Island that are beginner friendly! Now I am FOMO-ing super hard because what a perfect way to explore!

All this means is that I’ll have to find an excuse to go back. Going by kayak is definitely a cool alternative to doing the Three Bridges Boat tour and yet another interesting way to get to Inchcolm Island and Inchcolm Abbey from Edinburgh.

Weddings on Inchcolm Island

The pipes were calling, but not for me

Picture my surprise when I strolled out of Inchcolm Abbey to the sounds of this piper piping! What had I done to deserve such fanfare?

Turns out, there was a wedding earlier that day at Inchcolm Abbey and I was about two steps away from photobombing the happy couple.

Imagine turning your wedding into an Inchcolm Island day trip? It’s totally possible!

Inchcolm Island is also a popular venue for weddings and if you’ve read this far, I don’t have to explain why. Go ahead and have a drool at these photos though.

Staying in North Queensferry

If you’re keen to spend a wee bit more time outside the Big Smoke (that’s an old-school, folksy term for Edinburgh) then North Queensferry has lots of options.

Ferrycraigs House is a charming victorian B&B that gets excellent reviews.

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If Ferrycraigs House isn’t exactly your cup of tea, there’s plenty of options to explore on Tripadvisor.

Getting Back to Town From Inchcolm Island

The view of North Queensferry on our way back, as snapped by Alex Penland

Although we didn’t want our Inchcolm Island day trip to end, The Three Bridges boat tour returned as promised to shuttle us back to North Queensferry. On the way back, we took another long route that allowed us to see even more seals and learn even more about Scotland’s history.

We returned home exhausted, restored, rejuvenated and inspired. Amazing how one little day out on the Forth could have such a positive impact.

All in all, this day really exceeded my expectations in terms of all of the incredible history and nature we got to experience.

If I were you, I’d move an Inchcolm Island and Inchcolm Abbey day trip from Edinburgh to the top of your Scottish bucket list.

Want more Scottish travel inspo? Check out 12 Easy Car Free Day Trips From Edinburgh!

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Got questions about car-free solo travel in Scotland? Ask me anything. on Instagram @alyssaowrites

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Alyssa O, Writer

I'm a traveling writer, career expat and all around sassy lady with a very low tolerance for comfort zones. I've got a decade of experience with life abroad as a solo female in Scotland and Switzerland and my passion is empowering other women to take the leap and live their solo travel and life abroad dreams. I moved abroad solo and so can you!

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I love the history behind it! Also, those gnomes 😆

Those gnomes just get me!

Linda (LD Holland)

We have Scotland on our travel planning list for a long road trip. And we are collecting spots that need to go on the itinerary. Inchcolm Island does indeed look like an interesting spot to plan for a day trip by ferry. We would certainly climb up the Inchcolm Abbey bell tower for great panoramic views. A great spot for history and outdoor sights.

That’s so exciting! Inchcolm is definitely worth a visit and you could do it as you pass by North Queensferry on your way to destinations further north, for sure.

I’m a huge fan of Shakespeare and have Scotland on my list. Would love to explore Inchcolm Island and the abbey!

It is absolutely worth the visit. I’m hoping they remount the island production of Macbeth again someday because I’d love to see it. Can you imagine anything more atmospheric!?

ASA | Marilyn

Looks like an enjoyable day trip, complete with ferry rides and commentary of history. I’m yearning to visit Scotland and you’ve provided another reason.

You really need to get over here! Scotland is unique because it’s the only country I’ve ever been to that truly has it all: amazing history, arts and culture, awesome people and Jae dropping nature. And so easy to discover. You won’t regret coming here!

This looks like SUCH a great day out! I mean, each of the parts (the boat ride around the bridges) exploring the island, and seeing the ruins of the abbey) all sound brilliant. Scotland is so beautiful isn’t it! <3

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[…] This abandoned 12th century abbey on an island in Edinburgh’s Firth of the Forth has inspired everyone from kings to Shakespeare…now it’s time to let Inchcolm Island inspire you! […]

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[…] Day Trip to Inchcolm Island From Edinburgh […]

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Inchcolm Island Boat Tour

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Edinburgh City of EH6 4TX

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This tour of Inchcolm Island and the Firth of Forth is a splendid day out. The boat boards at South Queensferry, has indoor and outdoor seating, a bar and bathroom facilities. On the way to and from the island the captain went out of his way to point out seals and puffins and get close enough so everyone could see. There is a pre-recorded audio tour playing over the loudspeakers that is informative, but not so loud as to be annoying. The island itself is beautiful with ruins of a 12th century abbey and World War II army structures, both of which you can fully explore, plus a spectacular view of Edinburgh. If you are willing to climb a very narrow, very steep spiral staircase you can go to the top of the abbey. When left on the island you have about 1.5 hours before the boat picks you up, which is a decent amount of time. There are bathrooms, a small gift shop and plenty of places to enjoy a picnic on the island. This is a great outing for families, but not for anyone who has difficulty with climbing or walking on rough surfaces. Many people had taken a bus to the pier and public transportation might be something to consider because parking is scarce. I was lucky to go on a spectacularly clear-skied, sunny day, but even so there were moments when the wind cut through to the bone;dressing in layers is a good idea. Also, there are lots of hotels, pubs and restaurants in picturesque South Queensferry if you want to extend your day out.

In early October, we headed out from Newhaven on the Maid of the Forth to see the abbey ruins at Inchcolm island. The weather was lovely, and the boat ride exhilarating. We had about 1 hour to explore the island, and then we headed back for dry land. On the way, our friendly captain let the boat idle for about 2 minutes while he explained a bit of history associated with an impressive lighthouse, and we were lucky to spy some harbour seals basking in the sun. The Abbey itself was lovely and interesting. Someone has taken great care to place many informative plaques and signs, so the inquisitive mind is able to get a pretty complete history lesson about the location and the ruins. My only complaint about this outing was that it didn't last long enough, and the promotional photos would lead tourists to believe we were going to see a seal 'colony.' To me, this means los of seals, and possibly up close, but no such luck. You will be whisked to the island and backdon't expect much more than a lovely hour exploring an isolated and beautiful place. In sum, I would take this tour again if a friend was desperate to go, but I think cutting the price in half would make it an excursion more accurately priced. Out of 5, this outing gets 3 stars.

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Inchcolm Island

The beautiful and historic Inchcolm Island is situated in the Firth of Forth, just 6 miles from Edinburgh city centre. The island is home to a large abbey known as the ‘Iona of the East’, which is one of the top attractions in Fife . The abbey is under the control of Historic Environment Scotland, and visitors can travel there by ferry from South Queensferry.

Inchcolm Island lies in the Firth of Forth just six miles from Edinburgh city centre and four miles east of the Forth Road Bridge . Although relatively small at only 22 acres, it has plenty of things to see and do, and combined with the ferry trip from South Queensferry, it’s a great family day out.Getting to the island requires tourists to board a charter ferry that will take them on an enjoyable trip under the Forth Bridges and along the estuary before arriving at the small harbour on the island.

A camera is an essential item to carry for the short journey, as you’ll likely see lots of wildlife along the way. Seals are frequently spotted having a rest on the buoys bobbing about in the Forth, and large colonies of seagulls, fulmars, and the occasional puffin fly over the outcrops surrounding the harbour’s edge.

You’ll find that the island is much bigger than you might be expecting after seeing it in the distance at South Queensferry, and there are more than enough activities to keep the family occupied for an entire afternoon once you get there.

While the ferry ride is good fun, I have to admit the high point for me was exploring the eastern edge of the island which has left-over bunkers from WWII, but the abbey is a great place to explore as well. While some of it is in ruins, there are lots of remaining sections that are in excellent condition (surprisingly for buildings that are nearly 800 years old), and it certainly deserves its title as Scotland’s best-preserved group of monastic buildings.

The Highlights

1: One of the main highlights of visiting Inchcolm Island is exploring Inchcolm Abbey. This medieval Augustine abbey was established in the 12th century and is remarkably well-preserved. With its beautiful Gothic architecture and tranquil setting, the abbey offers a fascinating insight into monastic life in the Middle Ages.

2: Inchcolm Island is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. It’s home to a variety of bird species including fulmars, cormorants, and puffins. During boat trips, visitors might even be able to spot seals basking on the rocks. The island’s wildlife, coupled with its stunning natural beauty, makes it an ideal spot for nature photography.

3: The island offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Firth of Forth and the surrounding areas. From the highest points on the island, visitors can see Edinburgh’s skyline, the Forth Bridges, and the distinctive hills of Fife. These views are especially spectacular on clear days, making it a perfect location for leisurely walks and picnics.

Visiting Tips

1: Scotland is known for its unpredictable weather. Inchcolm Island, being in the Firth of Forth, is no exception. Even in summer, the weather can change quickly, so it’s a good idea to dress in layers and bring waterproof clothing. Also, don’t forget your sunscreen, as the sun can be strong when it does appear.

2: The main attraction of Inchcolm Island is Inchcolm Abbey, a well-preserved medieval abbey. However, the island itself is small and can be explored within a few hours. Note that the ferries to and from the island have specific schedules, so make sure you plan your visit accordingly to avoid missing the last return ferry.

3: There are limited facilities on the island, so it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks and water. There are picnic tables and plenty of spots to enjoy a meal with a view. Remember to take your rubbish with you when you leave to help preserve the natural beauty of the island.

Tourist Information

Inchcolm Island is located one mile from the Fife coastline near Aberdour Castle , and the only Historic Environment Scotland-approved way to get to it is by taking the Maid of The Forth ferry that departs from South Queensferry which gives you three hours on the island before taking you back to shore.

Unsurprisingly, the island has been given the nickname ‘the Iona of the East’ thanks to the 12th-century Inchcolm Abbey located in the central area. This abbey was founded by King David I after his brother King Alexander I was forced to seek shelter there during a very stormy crossing of the Forth in 1123, and both its size and grandeur mean that today it’s considered one of the finest abbey buildings in Scotland.

The abbey is open to the public and visitors can walk through the rooms and corridors of the old building and can even climb to the top of the main tower for dazzling views across the Lothian and Fife coastlines. There are other historic buildings to see on the island as well, with fortifications from the Second World War covering much of the eastern area, while an underground ammunition tunnel dating from 1916 is also open to view.

The western section of Inchcolm Island consists of open grassland which is easy to walk across if you fancy doing some exploring, but be careful to watch where you step as sea birds lay their eggs on the ground due to the lack of predators on the island. Inchcolm also features two lovely wee beaches that have plenty of seating if you want to take a picnic with you, and Historic Environment Scotland has a small gift shop if you’d like to take home a memento.

Things to Do

Exploring Inchcolm Abbey: This magnificent medieval abbey is the star attraction of Inchcolm Island. Built in the 12th century, the abbey is steeped in history and features a wonderful mix of architectural styles. Visitors can explore the tranquil cloisters, look inside the bell tower, and discover the rare medieval fresco that has remained intact for over 800 years.

Wildlife Watching: Inchcolm Island is home to a wealth of wildlife. From seals basking on the rocks to a variety of birds including puffins , terns, and eider ducks, the island is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Don’t forget your binoculars (link to binocular reviews), and make sure to tread lightly to avoid disturbing nesting birds.

Walks: Inchcolm Island offers a couple of walking trails with lovely views of Fife, Edinburgh, and the Firth of Forth. These walks are not only a great way to explore the island but are also an excellent opportunity to enjoy the fresh sea air in peace and quiet. Note that the paths are not suitable for disabled visitors or pushchairs.

Picnic with a View: Bring a basket full of your favourite snacks and enjoy a memorable picnic on the island’s green spaces. There are numerous ideal spots for a picnic, but you might prefer staying near the gift shop as there are picnic benches outside it.

Photography: With its historic buildings, diverse wildlife, and stunning coastal views, Inchcolm Island is a photographer’s paradise. From the ancient stone walls of the abbey to the captivating sunset views over the Firth of Forth, every corner of Inchcolm Island is a picture waiting to be taken.

Things to Do Nearby

Braefoot Bay . Burntisland KY3 0XR A local coastal nature reserve that features a footpath around Dalgety Bay Both walkers and mountain bikers frequently use the path. The bay is the nearest point to Inchcolm Island .

Silver Sands Beach . Firth of Forth, Burntisland KY3 0RQ. A golden-sand beach to the east of Aberdour. There is a path from the beach that closely follows the coastline to Burntisland.

Cullaloe Nature Reserve . B9157, Burntisland KY3 0LU. This nature reserve centres around a reclaimed reservoir that is a haven for birds including lapwings and sedge warblers. There are areas of wildflower meadows, marshland and willow scrub. There is also a wildlife viewing screen with wheelchair access.

Dalgety Bay , Dunfermline, KY11 9TF Tourists frequently overlook this coastal community that’s close to the Forth Road Bridge. Dalgety Bay offers secluded and picturesque coastal walks and stunning views of the Firth of Forth. The town frequently wins the ‘Best Kept Small Town’ award.

Burntisland . Burntisland KY3 9DZ. This town is renowned for its award-winning natural harbour and wide-open mudflats that attract a variety of seabirds when the tide retreats. At low tide it is possible – with care – to walk between Burntisland and Pettycur village.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who built inchcolm abbey.

King David I constructed Inchcolm Abbey after his brother, King Alexander I, sought refuge there during a storm in 1123. Alexander vowed to build a monastery on the island, but he died in 1124, leaving the task to his brother.

Are there toilets on Inchcolm Island?

There are public toilets on Inchcolm Island.

Who lives on Inchcolm?

Two staff members of Historic Environment Scotland live on Inchcolm Island between March and October. Romans, Augustinian monks, mediaeval hermits, and soldiers from the First and Second World Wars have all lived on Inchcolm Island over the course of its history.

How old is Inchcolm Abbey?

Inchcolm Abbey dates back to the 12th century. The abbey was built due to a promise made by King Alexander I when he was forced to shelter on the island during a storm in 1123.

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Craig Neil is the author, photographer, admin, and pretty much everything else behind Out About Scotland. He lives near Edinburgh and spends his free time exploring Scotland and writing about his experiences. Follow him on Pinterest , Facebook , and YouTube .

Kidding Herself

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Inchcolm Island and the Forth Bridge by boat

Nobody is ever going to go to Scotland for the glorious sunshine, although we have experienced at least two whole days of lovely blue skies in our total of two visits to nearish Edinburgh so far.

Sadly, the high summer’s day we decided to take a boat trip up and down the Firth of Forth to admire Inchcolm Island and the Forth Bridge was not one of those days.

But despite the brisk winds, the flurries of rain and the fact that we were having to wear both a thick jumper and our winter coats, this remains one of Mama’s favourite bits about our trips to one of the Venices of the North. Which is why she is writing about it almost three years after it actually happened.

It may be that she is more nostalgic for the summer holidays of her youth spent mainly in full body waterproofs in the Lake District than you might expect.

Especially because those holidays also involved messing about in boats. And as everybody knows, boats are much more interesting when there are a few waves and a whole lot of spray, which is what we got on this occasion in Scotland.

Papa huddled inside the undercover cabin. Mama stood out back with her face in the wind. And the rain. Did I mention the rain? Of course, she had me strapped to her chest as a makeshift bodywarmer. Sometimes Mama finds having children comes in handy.

The Firth of Forth is quite something from a boat, or indeed from any prospective at all. It’s really an enormous estuary with Edinburgh at its mouth and it is easily able to accommodate multiple ocean-going oil tankers passing each other at a distance. By which I mean, it’s big.

And this is why the Forth Bridge, the railway bridge first crossed in 1890 connecting the north side of the Forth to the capital of Scotland is such an engineering marvel. It is still the second longest cantilever bridge in the world, and was the first of its kind when built, says Mama nodding sagely as though either she or I have the faintest idea who cantilever is or why we should eat it.

But I do know it is so fabulous it is has just been declared a UNESCO world heritage site, along with the Kremlin and Red Square , the Taj Mahal, the Pyramids, Stonehenge, the Great Wall of China, and, apparently, the whole city of Liverpool. Cool, huh?

It’s also responsible for Papa realising he’d been in the UK too long. Making small talk, someone referred to their job as being in its futility much like painting the Forth Bridge, and Papa found himself nodding sympathetically, fully understanding the obscure reference to the fact that as soon as you finish painting one end, you have to start again at the beginning again.

Which is a myth, apparently. They use specially formulated paint to protect the cutting edge but fatally rust prone mild steel, and as a result it doesn’t wear off that quickly. Still, that didn’t stop Papa feeling traumatized. In fact, the Forth Bridge may be responsible for our move back to Moscow!

Of course, there is no chance that my Brilliant Big Brother will take and interest in all this because of his obsession with the natural world.

Luckily, the Firth of Forth boat trip held plenty of interest for him too, mostly in the form of numerous sightings of grey seals basking on rocks, buoys and Inchcolm Island itself.

Although we also saw a puffin flitting around the boat thanks to his animal obsessed eyes too.

The boats set off from South Queensferry, which is either a short train ride away from Edinburgh proper, or reachable by a dedicated coach journey laid on the by river trip organisers. South Queensferry itself is a very pleasant sort of town for someone who wants to get away from big cities for a while. If you are early you can wander around the High Street. There’s a fish and chippie that sells deep-fried Mars bars and everything, as well as more rustically attractive shopping experiences.

Or, if that doesn’t appeal, maybe pottering about on the rocky seaweed-infested shoreline will. We could certainly spend hours down there. Just make sure you wash your children’s hands thoroughly afterwards, says Mama darkly, who once had to weather tag team explosive vomiting after she didn’t. The Firth of Forth is pretty but it’s not that clean.

Anyway. Once you have admired the elegant red struts of the Forth Bridge and the wildlife and the choppy ride, you will be deposited on Inchcolm Island and marooned there.

There is something quite thrilling about this to Mama, who along with all Brits of a certain age, was forced to read the trapped-on-a-small-island-with-your-school-chums survival manual Lord of the Flies in school. Did we go feral and start beating each other around the head with conch shells? The anticipation would be rampant except that… how exactly is that different from a normal day out with kids? Everybody else can probably just get excited about the prospect of eating all sorts of unlikely live insects courtesy of Get me Out of Here…

Luckily, before it came to that, Mama broke out the sandwiches, which we ate inside the ruined monastery. It’s very scramble-able and picturesque and a whole bunch of fun to look round. Because of course, what else do you do with an island in the middle of an estuary but build a monastery?

Well, build military fortifications, that’s what. Bunkers and whatnot. Gotta protect the Forth Bridge from invaders.

We missed out on that because as well as poking around on Inchcolm Island’s sandy beach (WASH YOUR HANDS. Luckily there are fully plumbed toilets by the landing stage), we also discovered the path round the back of the monastery which leads you to the rockier, less built up island area and the end of the island, where the seals lurk.

Unfortunately we did not get to see the seals from land. Papa, who was the first to find the footpath, came back after a few minutes looking shaken and warning us to stay away. So obviously Mama had to take us to have a look.

No sooner had she stepped onto the broad green inviting walkway than she understood his fear. It was nesting season for seagulls, who turned out to be extremely unimpressed by anyone coming within any kind of distance of their young and totally unafraid to dive bomb en mass those that do so.

Being attacked by waves and waves and waves of large raucously shrieking birds who have no fear of humans after years of nicking their packed lunches is quite an experience. Mama made it to the top of the incline on the off-chance it would be a momentary inconvenience, realised the whole area was covered with the angry sea birds and beat a hasty retreat.

Never let it be said that our family is not occasionally sensitive to conservation issues and leaving our animal brothers and sisters in peace.

Anyway, after that it was time to get back on the boat again. More waves, more seals, no more puffins, another look at the Forth Bridge, the chance to compare it to the prosaically modern road bridge, and if you are lucky and get there quick before it is finished, the privilege of watching the ALL NEW, almost ethereal, road bridge go up. We may be a hundred and twenty five years on, but it is still damn difficult to get it right. Perhaps you will be there when they discover they are two millimeters off in being able to assemble there flat packed 21st century bridge kit, and everything!

All in all, a highly recommended day trip if you are ever in Edinburgh. QE2 smooeetoo is what Mama says. If you want boats, you want this one.

Although if you really want to go on the best British Isles cruise , you probably want one that goes all the way round.

More Information

Maid of the Forth boat trips.

This is what the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy has to say about the Forth Bridge.

Address for the launching area: Hawes Pier, South Queensferry, Edinburgh, EH30 9TB

Trip times: The boats run between from February to the end of October.  There are between one and three sailings a day, depending on the time of year and whether or not it is a weekend.

You can also do a boat trip without getting off on the island (but that would be a mistake).

By car: There is a large free car park next to the pier.

By train: Edinburgh Waverley to Dalmeny Station (South Queensferry). Then you walk down the path from the station to the Hawes Pier going under the Forth Bridge. You could even have a go at going over the bridge on the train to North Queensferry and coming back again to Dalmeny if you wanted to really get your Forth Bridge fill.

By bus: Stagecoach 40/40A from Edinburgh Princes Street. Get off the bus at the Police Station (bottom of the hill) and it is a 10 mins walk along the High Street of South Queensferry to the pier.

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Kidding Herself is (nominally) written by Herself, a seven-year-old girl, and describes an AngloRusski family's local travel adventures in Moscow, Russia (and the UK). View all posts by Herself

18 thoughts on “Inchcolm Island and the Forth Bridge by boat”

I can’t believe that it a myth about painting the bridge, finishing and needing to start again. I always believed it! I didn’t know that it was a UNESCO site now either 🙂 #countrykids

Well, apparently there was a lot more painting until quite recently, so I think we should stick with it!

What a great place to have been to visit, there’s so much to see and do. It’s great that there’s so much nature and man made history in one place I bet you could spend hours exploring the island and everything that’s on it. It’s great that you got to see the Forth Bridge, especially as it’s a UNESCO site. Thanks for linking up with me on #CountryKids.

It was surprisingly fun, and, yes, full of interest. Highly recommended, even in the wet.

What a fun adventure- I’m embarrassed to admit I lived in Edinburgh for 13 years and never visited Inchcolm Island – perhaps we’ll take the kids next time we’re back. The weather looks fairly typical though, lol.

There are plenty of things we never managed in London! If it helps, when in Edinburgh, we didn’t actually manage to ‘do’ the castle…

This looks like an awesome place to visit! I love learning about and visiting historic places.

It was surprisingly packed with history for such a small island!

Nothing like some great Britain weather. We have never been to Scotland but last year we were in Wales first day of summer and it was 9 degree’s lol.

Hehehe. Sounds about right…

We haven’t spent enough time in Scotland, although living in the North of England we do tend to head south for hopefully sunnier times. No excuse though, it is so stunning we really must do more.

Up until recently, I’d only been to Scotland once, and we had family living in Edinburgh for many many years. Shocking, because it’s lovely indeed.

Beautiful post! We didn’t make it to Edinburgh when we visited Scotland and are hoping to visit soon. This sounds like a lovely way to spend a day.

Edinburgh is one of the great destinations, I reckon. If you don’t assume the weather will be good. Doesn’t actually matter, though.

I have to go to the UK unexpectedly after a family death so I have not had time to read any #AnimalTales posts this week and I will do so when I get back. Please note there will be no linky this coming Tuesday – sorry.

Oh my word. Do not worry about reading blogs at all. I’m very sorry for your loss.

Aw, you saw puffin – I am jealous! #AnimalTales

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