Edinburgh and Us: All aboard the Maid of the Forth for a relaxing trip to Inchcolm Island

Embark on a sightseeing tour to Inchcolm Island for a three-hour journey across the Fifth of Forth with spectacular views of the Forth Bridges.

Tour operators, the ‘Maid of the Forth’, is a family-run business who have provided boat trips since 1981 - their ‘Inchcolm Island Landing Trip’ is one of their most popular.

Tours begin in South Queensferry – located just ten miles North-West of Edinburgh City Centre. We suggest that you arrive early to allow time for a stroll in this quaint little town on the shore and wander around the gift shops. To begin your day trip, we also recommend that you visit ‘Orroco Pier’ for breakfast. The cafe boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the Forth Rail Bridge.

The cruise sets off from Hawes Pier, the same one that served the ferry that crossed the Forth River before the bridges were built. The vessel was custom built in Bristol in 1989 to operate the journey to Inchcolm Island and can carry up to 225 passengers and five crew members.

There are two levels - an open top deck and a fully enclosed, heated lower deck. The top deck is a wonderful spot to catch a fresh sea breeze and some sunshine on a bright day while seating in the lower deck contains comfortable booths with tables and large windows which allow good views of the surroundings. There is a bar where the friendly staff serve a small selection of hot and cold drinks and snacks.

As the boat sets sail, the Skipper introduces himself to everyone onboard. Whilst on route to Inchcolm Island there is good quality commentary playing with fascinating facts about some of the sights – such as Inchgarvie Island and the Forth Rail Bridge. A highlight of the trip is a stop where passengers can get an up-close view of seals lazing on ‘Haystack Rock’ and splashing around in the surrounding water.

The ‘Maid’ docks at Inchcolm Island and passengers can disembark for an hour and a half. Look out for the small, aptly named ‘Inchgnome Island’ to the right of the boat.For those who do not wish to visit the island, there is also a shorter ‘Sightseeing Boat Tour’ alternative journey.

However, we highly recommend visiting the island, commonly referred to as the 'Iona of the East' in order to explore Inchcolm Abbey, one of the best preserved 12^th century abbeys in Scotland. Here you can ascend its very narrow turnpike staircase followed by ladder type steps and be rewarded with excellent views of the island and Edinburgh’s skyline in the distance.

There are also wartime fortifications, island trails and sandy beaches to be discovered. People may get the opportunity to spot some seasonal birds such as fulmars, kittiwakes and the ever popular puffins. Sightings of the not-so-seasonal seagulls are inevitable and there are signs dotted around the island warning people to stay off the long grass to avoid encounters with nests and their angry inhabitants. Dogs are welcome on the boat and onto the Island but are to be kept on their leads.

Some people however, may just be content with a picnic on the beach or a saunter into the small visitor centre and gift shop.

When the 90 minutes is up, the boat arrives to take you back to South Queensferry but not before taking a detour under all three bridges. The ‘Maid’ sails under the iconic Forth Rail Bridge – first opened in 1890 and still holds the record as the world’s longest cantilever bridge.

It continues past the Forth Road Bridge, which opened in 1964 and now only carries public transport, cyclists and pedestrians since the opening of the Queensferry Crossing road bridge in 2017.