Keith Inch
Keith Inch is the easternmost point of mainland Scotland. It is located in Peterhead in Aberdeenshire, forming the north point of Peterhead Bay at 57°30’10"N, 1°45’51"W.
"Inch" is a common word in the names of islands, from the Gaelic for island, innis, and Keith Inch was formerly an island itself. It now forms part of Peterhead Harbour.
Keith Inch was used in the whaling industry, and boil yards were operated here; the remains of a whale bone arch can be seen.
Castle of Keith Inch
On the island of Keith Inch once stood a castle built by George Keith, 5th Earl Marischal of Scotland. The castle is thought to have been modelled on Kronborg Castle in Denmark, which he saw when he went to bring across the sea Princess Anne of Denmark, who was married to James VI: Anne was married by proxy to King James at Kronborg Castle onn 20 August 1589.
In 1644 about 500 of Cromwell's soldiers rampaged in the Peterhead area. They were encamped on Keith Inch with their headquarters in the castle.
Outside links
- Location map: 57°30’10"N, 1°45’51"W
- Streetmap: NK142458
References
- Haswell-Smith, Hamish (2004). The Scottish Islands. Edinburgh: Canongate. ISBN 1841954543.