Castles of Scotland - Inchcolm

Castles of Scotland - Inchcolm Castle

Inchcolm Castle (English: Inchcolm Castle) is a castle on the island of Inchcolm, situated at the mouth of the Firth of Forth in Scotland. The castle is considered one of the best-preserved medieval castles 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. In the 15th century, due to financial difficulties, the monastery was abandoned and its lands became private property.

In the 16th century, on the site of the abandoned monastery, a small defensive castle was built to protect the mouth of the Firth of Forth from attacks by the English fleet. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the castle was repeatedly expanded and rebuilt. In the 19th century the castle was abandoned and fell into ruin.

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