Inchcolm Abbey

Inchcolm Abbey is a well preserved medieval church, dating from 1235 when the church, originally established as a priory by David I became an abbey. The Augustinian canons settled here enjoying both the island’s isolation and its tranquility.

After the Protestant Reformation of 1560 brought monastic life to an end, the island continued to serve in the defence of Edinburgh. Repeatedly attacked by English raiders during the Wars of Scottish Independence, it was fortified during both World Wars. Today there is a visitor centre and the island and the Abbey are open to tourists via boats leaving from Queensferry.