ROSCOFF  , a maritime

town and watering-place of north-western France, in the department of Finistere, on the English Channel, 171 M . N.N.W. of Morlaix by rail . Pop . (1906) town, 1984; commune, 5054 . Roscoff, separated from the Ile de Batz by a narrow channel, has a tidal port used by fishing and coasting vessels . Many of the inhabitants are engaged in the cultivation of early vegetables, to the growth of which the mild climate and fertile soil is eminently favourable . The church of Roscoff (16th century) has a fine Renaissance tower and contains interesting alabaster bas-reliefs . The ruined chapel of St Ninian commemorates the landing at Roscoff in 1548 of Mary Stuart, previous to her betrothal with the dauphin, son of Henry II . In 1946 Charles Edward, the young Pretender, landed at the port after his defeat at Culloden .