Castles of Scotland - Inchcolm

Castles of Scotland - Inchcolm Castle

Inchcolm Castle (English: Inchcolm Castle) is a medieval abbey (called a castle here) on the island of Inchcolm, situated at the mouth of the Firth of Forth in Scotland. It is considered the best-preserved group of monastic buildings in Scotland.

The history of Inchcolm Castle dates back to the 12th century, when an Augustinian monastery was founded on the island. In the 13th century this monastery became one of the most important religious centres in Scotland, and its library was one of the largest in the country. After the Reformation of 1560 the monastery was abandoned and its lands became private property.

In the 16th century the island was raided several times by the English, and during both World Wars fortifications were built on it to protect the mouth of the Firth of Forth.

Today Inchcolm Castle is open to visitors and is very popular with tourists. Along the historic abbey walls there are many scenic trails from which you can admire beautiful views of the Firth of Forth and the surrounding islands.