a small island in the Firth of Forth, lying about halfway between the port of Leith and Kinghorn on the opposite shore. It 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 island. 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, the importance of which they became sensible of, 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 Scotch kept possession of the island for some years; but at last the fortifications were destroyed by act of parliament, to prevent it from being of any use to the French. The French gave it the name of *L'île des Chevaux*, from the grass which it produced being very nutritious for horses. A lighthouse, with a revolving light, was erected on the island in 1805, and has proved highly beneficial to the shipping frequenting the Forth.