Tom Weir Statue, Balmaha
During the last decade, one of the most popular additions to Loch Lomondside has been The Tom Weir Statue at Balmaha. This guide includes details of the statue's unveiling on a cold but Memorable day in December 2014.
Where is Tom Weir's Statue
The statue is within Weir's Rest, featuring a mountain garden, picnic tables and interesting information panels. Weir's Rest is between the Oak Tree Inn and Balmaha Bay. It is only a few minutes from the large car park nearby.
Tom Weir Statue Unveiling
December 28th 2014, would have been Tom Weir’s 100th birthday. Therefore, it was the perfect day for the official unveiling of a statue to celebrate the life of this famous Scottish climber, author, TV presenter, and lover of the outdoors.
Many people turned up on that cold and foggy day to watch Tom's widow Rhona unveil the statue. Thanks to many years of hard work from the Tom Weir Memorial Group volunteers, the statue they had campaigned for was now ready to be unveiled.
Weir's Way
As well as writing for Scots Magazine for 50 years, Tom Weir was famous for his long-running TV series Weir's Way running from the mid-1970s to 1987, where he took viewers to Scotland's most beautiful scenery. His natural warmth and genuine passion for the countryside inspired many people to venture out of Scotland's towns and cities to see for themselves their land of outstanding beauty.
You can see an excerpt here from a Loch Lomond edition, with Tom up in a hot air balloon.
Weir’s Rest
The feeling on that day was that Tom would have approved of the setting for the statue. The introduction of the statue has dramatically enhanced this beautiful spot by Balmaha Bay.
Conservation charity The Friends of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs played a crucial role in helping the dream of a statue become a reality. The Fraser family (owners of the Oak Tree Inn) greatly assisted them and today work hard to keep the site tidy and clean.
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Video, Photography & Websites
Tom & Rhona Weir's Mountain Garden
Tom & Rhona's Mountain Garden was added as part of a second phase of the Weir's Rest project. Rhona Weir, who had first met Tom on a mountain, opened the new garden.
Weirfest
In the first few years of Weir's Rest, a summer festival, 'Weirfest', was staged to raise additional funds and improve the profile of the new statue. At the festival, local musicians played, with other entertainment as well as local food and drink.
Don't forget that the essential item of clothing for any Tom Weir Statue event or visit is Tom's trademark red toorie hat!
Loch Lomond Wonderland
We were pleased to be asked by The Friends of Loch Lomond to work with local schools to produce a booklet celebrating Tom Weir’s Loch Lomond Wonderland. This project allowed a fascinating insight into the history, heritage, wildlife and geology of Loch Lomond through the eyes of primary school children. Before her retirement, Rhona had been the Head Teacher at Gartocharn Primary School; they were among the local schools that participated in the project.
Tom Weir Statue Photography
You can see our photographs on collection posts around the site. Donations by visitors help to maintain Weir’s Rest to a high standard. It is very pleasing to see the amount of support received from generous visitors; this is undoubtedly a combination of a fondness of Tom Weir and appreciation of the beautiful spot by the bay.
Tom Weir Selfies
The Tom Weir Statue must now be one of the most photographed features in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs. Many people, including West Highland Way walkers, stop to take a ‘selfie’ with Tom.
Tom Weir Statue - Through the Seasons
Now that the site is a few years old, we have grown an extensive collection of seasonal photographs of Weir’s Rest, showing the quality of the statue through the year. In particular, the winter pictures, with the statue covered in ice, show the high level of craftsmanship put in by sculptor Sean Hedges-Quinn.
Winter
Spring/Summer
Autumn
Local Photographer
Weddings & Family Photo Shoots
Visit Weir’s Rest
If you are visiting Weir’s Rest look out for the excellent information boards, they tell the story of Tom Weir and illustrate some of the wildlife that you are likely to see, along with points of interest around the bay.
More Local Guides
We have many local guides for the Eastern Shores of Loch Lomond, including Balmaha and Rowardennan. Plus a guide to camping in East Loch Lomond, climbing Ben Lomond and East Loch Lomond Highlights. For more on Tom Weir please see our guide to Tom Weir’s 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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Buy our guidebook, 101 Things to Do in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, packed with attractions, views, and activities to enjoy.