INCH-Keith, a small island situated in the same frith, midway between the port of Leith and Kinghorn on the opposite shore. See FORTH.
This island is said to derive its name from the gallant Keith who so greatly signalized himself by his valour in 1010, in the battle of Barry, in Angus, against the Danes; after which he received in reward the barony of Keith, in Lothian, and this little isle. In 1549 the English fleet, sent by Edward VI. to assist the lords of the congregation against the queen-dowager, landed, and began to fortify this island, of the importance of which they grew sensible after their neglect of securing the port of Leith, so lately in their power. They left here five companies to cover the workmen under the command of Cotterel; but their operations were soon interrupted by M. Desse, general of the French auxiliaries, who took the place, after a gallant defence on the part of the English. The Scots kept possession for some years; but at last the fortifications were destroyed by act of parliament, to prevent it from being of any use to the former. The French gave it the name of L'isle des cheveaux, from its property of soon fattening horses. — In 1497, by order of council, all venereal patients in the neighbourhood of the capital were transported there, ne quid detrimenti respublica caperet.