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Inchcailloch National Nature Reserve
National Nature Reserves are amazing places where you can experience the incredible sights and sounds of Scotland’s natural world. These reserves help protect a range of wildlife and landscapes, including many rare species and habitats of international importance.
Inchcailloch is part of the Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve and is a wonderful place to visit with schools and groups, providing many opportunities for exploring its rich natural and cultural heritage.
Fast facts
- Inchcailloch means “island of the old or cowled woman”
The highest hill on the Island is called Tom na Nigheanan which means ‘hill of the daughter’. - In the early 8th century, an Irish missionary, St Kentigerna settled on the island. She died here in 734 and legend has it that a nunnery was established right here.
- The cultural importance of the church and its burial ground are now recognised and is the only Scheduled Ancient Monument in or around the Loch Lomond area.
- The Inchcailloch Education Pack is aimed at teachers and group leaders wishing to visit the island for Curriculum for Excellence through Outdoor Learning, as well as natural exploring activities.
- The pack contains background information on the island, tips for planning your visit, useful contacts and everything you need to make your visit to Inchcailloch one to remember.
Resources
- Inchcailloch Education Pack – contains everything for the Curriculum for Excellence through Outdoor Learning, as well as natural exploring activities.
- Cultural heritage activities– a worksheet for learning more about the burial ground and the island’s cultural past.