List of Loch Lomond Islands
Here is a list containing all of the named islands on Loch Lomond, with a brief introduction and some photographs.
Over a couple of glorious summer days, 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 about the islands in the north and south of Loch Lomond.
The list of Loch Lomond’s islands is in alphabetical order.
Aber Isle
Aber Isle is at the mouth of the River Endrick and is part of the Loch Lomond Nature Reserve. It is just a collection of stones and vegetation reaching out above the water.
Bucinch
It is translated as the Island of goats, although these are now long gone and are covered by trees—one of the series of islands between Luss and Balmaha.
Ceardach
It is 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.
Eilean nan Deargannan
A small island, just off of Rowardennan. Best viewed from the water, it is known as the purple island.
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 Boatyard and Cruise Loch Lomond from Luss. From its summit, reached by the winding staircase-like path, there are excellent views across to other islands and Ben Lomond. At the southern end of the island is a sandy beach. For most of May, the island is covered in bluebells. Click the link below for a more detailed guide to the island described as the ‘Jewel in the crown of 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.
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 living on the Inchfad and Inchmrrin islands. She then became the first woman to sail single-handed across the Atlantic. There are good views of Conic Hill from the island.
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’.
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.
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.
Inchtavannach
You get excellent views of this island when going through the narrows. It is close to the mainland, just south of Luss.
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.
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.
The Ross Islands
The Ross Islands are two small rocky islands sticking out of the water. In 1850, one of Loch Lomond’s first steamer ran aground on one of them.
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!
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.
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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