Inchmahome Island and Priory

Ferry to Inchmahome Island on the Lake of Menteith

Inchmahonme Island and Priory

Inchmahome Island on the The Lake of Menteith reopened to the public in 2024 following a four-year closure. Shortly after the COVID lockdown, concerns about the structural integrity of the island's ancient and ruined abbey could not be investigated by site managers, Historic Scotland, because Ospreys began to nest on the island, taking advantage of the lack of visitors.

Once the Ospreys left for their annual 3,000-mile journey to West Africa in autumn, work could begin preparing the island for visitors. When the Ospreys returned the following spring, they did so to previous nesting sites away from the priory.

This guide was updated with a report, which you can read below, on my most recent visit to the island during the summer of 2024. I was pleased that it was once again open to the public. First, let’s put the island on the map. You can see the priory identified below. It is on the Lake of Menteith—Zoom in and out below for more positioning. Use the A81 from Glasgow and the A84 from Stirling. What3words: https://w3w.co/sanded.custodian.stitching

 

Review of our visit to Inchmahome Island

During the summer, we took the short ferry across to the island. Its departure point is next to a designated and well-signed car park, close to the Lake of Menteith fisheries.

We recommend that you pre-book to be sure of travelling (read on for booking link). The ferry is limited to 12 passengers, prioritising those booked, and quite often, the sailings are full.

The ten-minute ferry ride was enjoyable, and we were lucky to see an Osprey flying across the lake. You are also likely to see Oystercatchers and Canada Geese.  

View of Inchmahome Priory on approach to the island

Inchmahome Priory Visitor Information

On the island, the priory is close to where you arrive; there is also a shop, toilets, and a pleasant 15-minute trail around the shoreline. You’ll also see a chalk board updated with recent wildlife sightings.

Marketing Services

Websites, Video & Photography

Find Out More

Inchmahome Priory History

The priory was established in 1238 on the largest of the three islands on the Lake of Menteith by Walter Comyn, the Earl of Menteith, and a powerful nobleman. For centuries, the island was home to Augustinian monks.

Famously, Robert the Bruce visited the island on three occasions during the Scottish Wars of Independence, and Mary Queen of Scots spent three weeks here as a four-year-old child in 1547, hiding for her safety following her defeat to the English at the Battle of Pinkie.

The priory was abandoned in the 1560s, but its ruins became a tourist attraction in the 1800s. The layout of the abbey is easily discernible, assisted by several interpretation panels that describe the function and importance of the Nave, Choir, Cloister, and Chapter House.

Inchmahome Priory

Local Photographer

Weddings & Family Photo Shoots

Visit Website

Access to Inchmahome Priory

Barriers are adjacent to some walls, restricting public access to at-risk parts of the building.

Inchmahone Island is open daily from April to September between 10am and 4.30pm and from 10am to 3pm during October.

Book tickets at historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/inchmahome-priory/

The Trossachs Trail

Inchmahome Priory is on the Trossachs Trail, a 40-mile route inspired by the original Trossachs Tour of the 1800s. Follow the brown road signs for adventures by bike, boat and boot. More information at trossachstrail.co.uk

Inchmahome Island Ferry

Thanks for reading

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

Please let us know if you found the guide helpful in the comments section below.