10 facts about Loch Lomond’s islands

1. Most of the named islands have the prefix “Inch”, which originates from the Gaelic word ‘innis’ – island.
2. Three islands of Loch Lomond are in the care of conservation agencies – Inchcailloch is part of Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve (Scottish Natural Heritage), while the National Trust for Scotland look after Bucinch and Ceardach. The rest of the islands are privately owned.
3. The line of the Highland Boundary Fault, which divides the Highlands from the Lowlands, runs in a south-westerly direction through the islands of Inchcailloch, Torrinch, Creinch, Inchmurrin. Climb Conic Hill from the village of Balmaha for a great view of the fault line.
4. Inchmurrin is Great Britain’s largest freshwater loch island. It was once the private deer park of the Dukes of Montrose but was sold for farming in the early 20th century. A ruined castle of the Earls of Lennox is located at its southern end. A Waterbus service can take you from Loch Lomond Shores to Inchmurrin during the summer.
5. Inchcailloch translates as the “island of the old women” and refers to the nunnery that was founded here by St Kentigerna. Today you can take a boat trip to the isle and enjoy two nature trails.
6. Inchlonaig is known as the “island of the yew trees”. It is claimed to have acquired this name after Robert the Bruce ordered the planting of yews. The yews were used for bow making. The island is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
7. The “Geggles” describes a narrow passage that is sometimes accessible by walking between two islands, Inchcruin and Inchmoan.
8. Wallace’s Isle or “The Island Of Someone Called Wallace” is located in the mouth of the Inveruglas water, just south of the village of Inveruglas. The alder tree-covered island is sometimes said to being the place where William Wallace sought refuge but it is also possible the island simply belonged to someone else named Wallace at one time.
9. Fraoch means “heather”, thus ‘The Heather Island”. It is home to many birds and plants and is at its most beautiful when the heather is in bloom.
10. Bucinch – island of goats – has a central summit, but there is no viewpoint because the island is covered by trees. Scots pines cling around its shores, while inland there is birch, oak and rowan, as well a thick carpet of wild blaeberries (blueberries).