List of Loch Lomond Islands

Inchmurrin Island, Loch Lomond

Here is a list containing all of the named islands on Loch Lomond, together with a brief introduction and some photographs. 

Over a couple of glorious days one summer, I visited many islands by speedboat, courtesy of Portnellan Farm. We either landed on the islands or circled them in the boat. There are links to the two longer guides written for the islands in the north and south of Loch Lomond. 

Here’s the list in alphabetical order.

Aber Isle

Aber Isle is at the mouth of the River Endrick and one of the islands that are just a collection of stones and vegetation reaching out above the water. Aber Isle is part of the Loch Lomond Nature Reserve.

Bucinch

It is translated as the Island of goats, although these are now long gone and is covered by trees. One of the series of islands between Luss and Balmaha.

Bucinch Island, Loch Lomond

Ceardach

A tiny island, mainly rock and belongs to the National Trust for Scotland.

Clairinsh

Located just east of Inchcailloch is a flat island covered in oaks. This island was owned at points in time by Clan Buchanan. The clan used ‘Clair Innis as their battle cry.

Creinch

The best view of Creinch island is from Conic Hill, where you can see a collection of islands and the impact of the Highland Boundary Fault Line, which cuts through the loch and some of its islands. The island is part of the Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve.

Creinch Island, Loch Lomond

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Eilean nan Deargannan

A small island, just off of Rowardennan. Best viewed from the water, it is known as the purple island.

Eilean nan Deargannan, Loch Lomond

Ellanderroch

This small island is in the lowlands and just below the line of the Highland Boundary Fault. Close by is its larger neighbour, Inchfad island.

Fraoch Eilean

The island is narrow in shape and rocky. Due to its proximity to Luss, the island was used as a prison, where people who committed modest crimes were sent to cool off.

Inchcailloch

Inchcailloch is a beautiful island, accessed by ferry from Balmaha (not currently running due to Covid restrictions) and Luss. There are excellent views across to other islands and Ben Lomond from its summit, reached by the winding staircase-like path. At the southern end of the island is a sandy beach. The island has a covering of bluebells for most of May.

Inchcailloch Island, Loch Lomond

Inchconnachan

Approached through the ‘narrows’, Inchconnachan is home to a colony of wallabies, introduced in the 1920s. They do exist; it’s not as it seems a tall story; the shy animals are most likely to be seen first thing in the morning or last thing at night.

Inchconnachan Island, Loch Lomond

Inchcruin

Gaelic for the round island, which is puzzling as it is not. There is a holiday home on the island.

Inchfad

A long flat island, best viewed from Inchcailloch Island’s summit, had an illicit whiskey distillery in the 19th century. In 1952 Ann Davison wrote a book called ‘Home was an Island’ about her time spent living on Inchfad and Inchmrrin islands. She then went on to become the first woman to sail single-handed across the Atlantic. There are good views of Conic Hill from the island.

Inchfad Island, Loch Lomond

Inchgalbraith

Thought to be an artificial island, built in the Iron Age, as a safe place. There is a ruined castle on the island.

Inchloanaig

One of the most famous of Loch Lomond’s islands was where King Robert The Bruce grew yew trees in the 14th century. The wood from these trees was used to make bows for the Battle of Bannockburn. ‘The Island of Yew Trees’.

Inchloanaig Island, Loch Lomond

Inchmoan

This pretty but often quiet island features usually deserted sandy beaches. Cutting across the island is more difficult with thick rhododendron. There is an old ruined hunting lodge on the island.

Inchmoan Island, Loch Lomond

Inchmurrin

Inchmurrin is the largest of Loch Lomond's islands and home to a hotel, holiday accommodation and farm. These are all run by the Scott family, who have been on the island for many years. There is an on-demand ferry from Arden Roundabout on the A82 to the island. Take a short walk from the hotel to find a ruined castle with excellent views across the loch.

Inchmurrin Island, Loch Lomond

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Inchtavannach

You get excellent views of this island when going through the narrows. It is close to the mainland, just south of Luss.

Inchtavananch Island, Loch Lomond

Inveruglas Isle

Inveruglas Isle was once the property of Clan Macfarlane, who had gained the reputation of being cattle thieves. The castle on the island was destroyed by Oliver Cromwell’s army and still lies in ruins today.

Inveruglas Island, Loch Lomond

Island I Vow

Island I Vow is another Loch Lomond island with a ruined castle. This one has a dungeon that you can still get into today. There has been comprehensive archaeology of the island, which is Loch Lomond’s most northern island.

Island I Vow, Loch Lomond

The Ross Islands

The Ross Island are two small rocky islands sticking out of the water. Back in 1850, a Loch Lomond early steamer ran aground on one of them.

Ross Islands, Loch Lomond

Tarbet Isle

Just off of Tarbet, on the western shores of Loch Lomond. Tarbet is the base of Cruise Loch Lomond, and as you’ll discover from the commentary on their cruises, Tarbet Isle is also known as Honeymoon Island. The idea being that if newlyweds could manage a week living together on this small island, then the chances of the marriage lasting were exceptionally high!

Tarbet Isle, Loch Lomond

Torrinch

Tor is translated into tower - there isn’t a tower on the island, but maybe the tower of rock gave it its name. Torrinch is close to Inchcailloch Island.

Wallace’s Isle

Finally, Wallace’s Island, at the mouth of Inveruglas Water. Legend has it that William Wallace hid here, hence the name. This story isn’t confirmed and maybe legend.

Inchmoan Island, Loch Lomond

Thanks for reading

Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.

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