Inchcolm

Inchcolm

Innis Choluim (Gaelic)
Inchcolm and Braefoot Bay
Location
Inchcolm Inchcolm shown within Fife
OS grid reference	NT189827
Coordinates	56.03°N 3.30°W / 56.03; -3.30
Name
Name meaning	Island of St Columba
Physical geography
Island group	Islands of the Forth
Area	9 hectares (22 acres)
Highest elevation	34 metres (112 feet)
Administration
Council area	Fife
Country	Scotland
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Demographics
Population	2
References

Inchcolm Island from Fife

Inchcolm (from Scottish Gaelic Innis Choluim 'Columba's Island') is an island in the Firth of Forth in Scotland. The island has a long history as a site of religious worship, having started with a church, which later developed into a monastery and a large Augustine Abbey in the mid 13th century. It was repeatedly attacked by English raiders during the Wars of Scottish Independence, and was later fortified extensively with gun emplacements and other military facilities during both World Wars to defend nearby Edinburgh.

Inchcolm Abbey and the surrounding island are now in the care of Historic Scotland. The island is accessible to visitors during the day via private boat tours from Queensferry. Many of the religious buildings on Inchcolm remain in fair condition and Inchcolm is described as having the best-preserved cloister in Scotland.