A boat trip to Inchcolm Island's a lovely day out for several reasons.

The boat trip itself provides great views of the trio of Bridges across the Forth Estuary: the cult Railway-bridge, the modernist Road Bridge and the swooping futuristic Queensferry Crossing.

There’s also sure to be some wildlife to spot, with sightings of puffins and seals almost guaranteed.

And then there’s the chance to explore a lonely estuary island with the best-preserved group of monastic buildings in Scotland.

Incholm Abbey

Incholm Abbey was founded in 1235, after King Alexander I sheltered here in a hermit’s cell during a stormy crossing. It’s half-runied today, but the tower, octagonal chapterhouse and cloisters are intact and contain treasures such as a 13th-century medieval fresco. But it’s the preserved sense of serene and austere monastic life that's most striking.