Tag: Inchcolm Abbey

RESEARCH TRIP TO INCHCOLM ISLAND

Inchcolm Abbey, looking west across the island.

My recent research trip to Inchcolm Island in the Firth of Forth caught the best weather of the season so far. A great day, it confirmed what I needed to know and threw up an unexpected mystery too.

Inchcolm is a fabulous little island, with loads of interesting things to see. Being pretty well protected from modern development means its history is well preserved. There’s a bit of everything from ancient burials to wartime gun emplacements. Of course, there’s the local wildlife too.

It’s where I’ve set the opening chapter of The Temple Scroll – the second book in The Temple series. So I thought I’d better revisit to make sure things are as they were when I started the book. I was happy to find it’s the same haven of tranquillity that I encountered last time around – history and nature unsullied. Inchcolm offers the perfect starting point for this thriller, the island’s ordered calm a clear counterpoint to the rough ride and dangers that lie ahead for the characters. Satisfied that my facts were as they should be, I relaxed and soaked up the peaceful atmosphere of Inchcolm Island. While I was disappointed not to see any puffins this time around, there’s no doubt this place really does belong to nature.

Inchcolm Abbey from the sea.

Then something caught my attention – I spotted the gnomes. All sitting quite happily on their own little islet, chatting to the gulls – and I’m sure one gnome did actually have a fishing line. I loved them, so incongruous. How did they get there? How do they manage to keep their place during stormy weather? It’s all a mystery.

The Inchcolm Gnomes

On the ferry back to South Queensferry I decided I had to know more about these island gnomes. Who is in charge? Why are they there? Are they trapped or are they escapees? The gnomes had seeded some story thoughts in a genre as far removed from The Temple series as it’s possible to get! I started making notes, simply because the gnomes wouldn’t leave me. However, once they had taken me as far as the Costa del Gnome, I knew it was time to fight back. I had to put the notebook down and abandon ship, it was definitely time to stop!

On another cheery note about the denizens of Inchcolm, I couldn’t help but notice some of the seals are exploiting modern technology. I spotted this gang hanging out on a nice comfy navigation buoy, catching a few rays between dips – good for them, looks like they own it now.

Inchcolm Seals – taking a break.

Our trip wrapped with the passage beneath the Forth Bridge, which is as stunning a climax as you could want. A perfect ending and with the bridge’s own story in mind, it offers a great transition from the nature and history of the islands back into our industrial world.

The Forth Bridge – from Hawes Pier, South Queensferry.