Inchcolm Island
Inchcolm
A small island in the Firth of Forth with the most complete medieval abbey in Scotland, reached by boat from South Queensferry.
This small island in the Firth of Forth is home to St Colm's Abbey, founded in the 12th century. Its cloisters, chapel and tower are the most complete of their kind in Scotland. You can climb the tower for views over the whole island and the three Forth bridges. Boats leave Hawes Pier in South Queensferry and take about 30 minutes to reach the island. The journey passes under the Forth Bridge, and seals and seabirds are often seen along the way. Puffins occasionally appear in summer. Ferries usually run from April to October, and you can spend about 1.5 hours on the island. The abbey entrance fee is collected by Historic Environment Scotland, though it may be included in the boat ticket. South Queensferry is about 15 kilometres from the city centre, and buses connect the two.
Opening hours
About Apr–Oct, depending on ferry service
Nearby sights
- Cramond Island
- Edinburgh Zoo
- Forth Bridge
- Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
- Dean Village
- Stockbridge & Circus Lane
- Princes Street Gardens