Inchcolm Ark

Art Event, Performance. Please wear white! Ferry journey and entrance to Inchcolm included!

Inchcolm Ark

Tuesday 9th June 2026

Join us on Inchcolm Island for a one-off performance to draw attention to rising global sea levels and how it could affect the Abbey.

In Medieval times,Inchcolm was nicknamed the ant due to its shape and the Abbey stands on the waist and lowest point of the island.

On the anniversary of St Columbus death we will meet at South Queensferry where we will catch a ferry to Inchcolm.

Once on the island we will gather forming the protective shape of an Ark around the Abbey - a symbolic rescue from the encroaching seas. We will sing and perform choreographed movements which will be edited into a short film for exhibition during the Edinburgh festival this year along with seaweed artwork created specially for the event.

Who can take part:

If you can manage steps and stand for around 45 mins you can take part. The event is unsuitable for young children due to safety concerns on the boat and the Island but you may bring a child that is alert to danger & who you think would enjoy participating provided you can provide supervision & still contribute to the performance!

What to wear:

Wear White.

Dress as creatively as you like!

Overcoats and larger bags can be left on the Maid of the Forth or inside the Abbey.

Meet at The Maid of the Forth

Unit 2 Hawes Pier, South Queensferry, EH30 9TB. Please aim to arrive at the pier at 4.45pm at the latest for 5pm departure. We cannot hold the Ferry for latecomers.

How to get to the event:

Train from Waverley Station departs 4.17pm and arrives Dalmeny at 4.34pm ( costs around £6 return).

Bus No 43 departs from Princes street (across the road from Boots the Chemist) 3.48pm and arrives South Queensferry around 16.40pm

What to expect:

The ferry should arrive on Inchcolm at around 5.30-5.45pm

There will be 12 Ark guides who will each take charge of a group of 12 (to stand 6 to the left and 6 to the right of their guide).

5.45pm The guides will arrange themselves in a position corresponding to a pre allocated clock time around the Abbey (12 oclock being the prow on the lawn at the front of the Abbey and 6 oclock being the stern on the lawn at the back of the Abbey.

6pm Once everyone has found their places we will sing led by the Ark guides.

7pm The performance will be complete.

7.15pm Everyone to gather belongings and assemble at Inchcolm pier to board the Maid of the Forth for 7.30pm departure to arrive back at South Queensferry around 8.15pm. There are several trains and buses available back to Edinburgh up until around midnight after which it is possible to return via Edinburgh Airport.

Additional Information:

There is no food or drink available on Inchcolm. The Maid of the Forth sells a selection of drinks & snacks and you can bring your own which can be consumed on the ferry before or after the event. There are also various places to eat in South Queensferry.

Please take home or bin any disposable items or rubbish that could potentially end up in the sea.

There are 2 public toilets and 2 urinals on Inchcolm located close to the pier. Additionally there are toilets on the Maid of the Forth.

Please note that the higher points of the Island have birds nesting at this time of year and that they will behave defensively if you approach the nests.

There will be opportunities to see the finished film at St Marys Cathedral during the Edinburgh Festival this year!