Inchcolm

It was a long scary climb up a very narrow and steep spiral stair to the top of Inchcolm Abbey to see this view with the distant island of Inchkeith on the horizon and Edinburgh in the distance. Seals had watched us as we journeyed across the calm sea from South Queensferry to the island.

The Augustinian abbey on Inchcolm was established by David 1 in 1235 and was home to the monks for many years. The windvane lies on top of the 13th century octagonal chapter house with a warming room above.

More recently the island has been used for defending the Forth and a gun battery was installed during the Napoleonic Wars when the French threatened to invade. Today there are many remains of pillboxes, lookouts, tunnels and concrete bunkers left over from the First and Second World War when Inchcolm was heavily fortified. It was part of Fortress Forth, which was formed to protect the Royal Navy's base at Rosyth and the Rail Bridge from attack.

After exploring the Abbey ruins we walked through an old ammunition tunnel built in 1916 but had to retrace our steps instead of continuing along the path because we were being threatened by the aggressive gulls who were protecting their chicks.
We were so lucky to have good weather but unfortunately my camera battery ran out so I was unable to take many photos.