Park History Highlights
History Highlights in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
This guide will take you on a whirlwind trip to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, discovering its extraordinary history and heritage. The National Park was formed in 2002, but this area has centuries of fascinating stories to tell. We will jump backwards and forwards in time, providing links to other guides on this website where you can find more detailed information.
If you start with our facts and figures guide, you will get a good overview of the park's nature, coverage, and natural wonders.
Rhoderick Dhu Viewpoint, Loch Katrine
The Birthplace of Scottish Tourism
We start at Loch Katrine in the Trossachs, which has some incredible history and is credited as the birthplace of Scottish tourism. Sir Walter Scott, one of the nation's most famous writers, penned 'The Lady of the Lake' at Loch Katrine (he was inspired whilst enjoying the view above). Scott's 1810 poem was the blockbuster of the day and drew people to see the landscapes described so vividly.
Opening this year at Loch Katrine, a pathway will lead from Trossachs Pier to an elevated vantage point where Sir Walter Scott was inspired to write the poem.
Rob Roy MacGregor
Whilst 'The Lady of the Lake' had a considerable impact, there were already renowned artists and painters of the day visiting Loch Katrine to capture the dramatic landscapes. Scott was fascinated by the notorious outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor, born in 1671 by the loch; his tales were told in a novel to be published later by Scott.
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Loch Katrine Steamships
Sir Walter Scott's life and work are widely celebrated, including the world's second-largest monument for a writer in Edinburgh. In Loch Katrine, the historic Steamship, dating back to 1900, carries his name; this has recently been restored and sails daily, as does another cruiser named 'The Lady of the Lake'. The Steamship's predecessors were 'Rob Roy' and 'Roy Roy II'.
The golden age of Steam brought the railway to Aberfoyle and Callander in Victorian times. The former train lines allow cyclists to explore the area on some scenic cycle paths, including the NCN7 route. The Trossachs Tour combined railway, horse and cart and steamships for a trip across Loch Katrine, Loch Lomond and onto Loch Long. Good news for summer 2023 with the return of Steamship Sir Walter Scott after her £850,000 restoration.
Stronachlachar
Queen Victoria visits Loch Katrine
Queen Victoria sailed on Rob Roy II in 1859 to open the new waterworks that provided clean water to Glasgow for the first time. Transforming the health of the second city of the Empire, Loch Katrine still supplies fresh water through this ingenious Victorian engineering. At Trossachs and Stronachlachar Piers, there are information boards with more information.
Discover History at and near Loch Katrine
Cycle on the former railway lines, now NCN7 – Read More
Sail on historic Steamship named after Sir Walter Scott – Read More
Walk or cycle to Brenachoile Point to stand in the footsteps of the artists that were drawn to Loch Katrine – Read More
Find out why Queen Victoria visited in 1859 - Read More
Visit some of the places that feature in the story of Rob Roy MacGregor – Read More
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Ruskin Point, Glen Finglas, The Trossachs
Glen Finglas Scandal
Close to Loch Katrine at Glen Finglas, a Victorian scandal. A portrait of John Ruskin, an influential art critic of the 19th century, was painted in 1853 by John Millais, capturing both Ruskin's personality with his love of nature thanks to the dramatic backdrop of the falls.
This story continues after the completed painting; the artist John Millais fell in love with Ruskin's wife, Effie, whilst working on the portrait. Effie had been helping the men while reading and sketching at Glen Finglas.
Despite their seven years of marriage, it had not been consummated, which Effie alleges was due to Ruskin's impotence, something he was to deny. The marriage was annulled, and Millais and Effie were married.
Inchmahome Priory, Lake of Menteith
Scotland’s Only Lake
The Lake of Menteith is an interesting story, not just because it is Scotland's only lake. For some of the published works 1800s Lake was substituted for Loch to make it read easier and it became known as Lake of Menteith, so when mapped in 1838, that made it officially 'Lake of Menteith'.
Inchmahome Priory
On the lake is Inchmahome Island has a ruined monastery founded in 1238, whose visitors include Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots. Sir Walter Scott's poems and novels of the Trossachs in the 1800s of The Trossachs included Inchmahome and raised its profile. Sadly, the island, managed by Historic Environment Scotland, is closed for repairs.
Reverend Robert Kirk
Meanwhile, in Aberfoyle at Doon Hill, the local minister, Reverend Robert Kirk's life, came to an unusual and dramatic end in 1692. Faeries are said to have taken his spirit as revenge for revealing their secrets in Kirk's book The Secret Commonwealth.
Discover Trossachs legend and history
Loch Lomond Heritage
We start at Drymen, Gateway to East Loch Lomond, and the village is packed with so much interesting history that the community has created a Heritage Trail leading from the village square. Residents tell stories about the former use of buildings around the village, including the ruined Buchanan Castle, where leading Nazi Rudolph Hess was a prisoner during World War II.
Tom Weir Statue, Balmaha
Alongside the loch at Balmaha, the Tom Weir Statue, commemorates the life of the much-loved broadcaster and mountaineer whose Weir's Way TV programmes encouraged folk across Scotland to explore the incredible countryside in their nation.
Ardess Hidden History Trail
By Ben Lomond at Rowardennan, the Ardess Hidden History reveals life in this landscape in the early 1800s.
Loch Lomond Clans
A climb up Ben Lomond brings into view the islands of Loch Lomond. Many have links with ancient clans. Across the loch near Luss, Rossdhu House, a Georgian mansion, is the seat of the Colquhoun Clan, now the home to the prestigious Loch Lomond Golf Club.
Rossdhu House, near Luss
The Maid of the Loch, Balloch
Back to the importance of Steamships and Loch Lomond's last Paddle Steamer, the Maid of the Loch has been rescued and restored at Balloch. The energetic and committed volunteers aspire to see her sailing again on Loch Lomond.
The Loch Lomond Song
Loch Lomond has its own song, known worldwide.
Soak up Loch Lomond's history
Enjoy the Drymen Heritage Trail
Or the Ardress Hidden History Trail – Read More
Visit Weir's Rest and learn about the much-loved Tom Weir – Read More
Support the Maid of the Loch restoration, and see the ship – Read More
Discover Clan history in Loch Lomond and its islands – Read More
Sing 'By yon Bonnie Banks' – Read More
Rest and Be Thankful
Argyll Forest History
The Rest and Be Thankful Road hairpin bends were used to test and race cars in the 1930s; Glasgow's Riverside Transport Museum pays tribute to this unique road.
Lauder Memorial
The memorial to Captain John Lauder, son of entertainer Sir Harry Lauder who owned an estate nearby. Harry Lauder was the first British artist to sell a million records, and his son was to die in the First World War.
Carrick Castle
At the entrance to Loch Goil, a castle was first built in the 1200s. Carrick Castle was destroyed and rebuilt during battles that ensued across the, and it is now in private ownership. Unfortunately, you can't go inside it, but visiting the small community and seeing the imposing castle is fascinating.
Carrick Castle, Loch Goil
Blairmore
Blairmore on Loch Long developed as a village in Victorian times, serviced by a pier for Steamers. One steamer, The Waverley, still calls for a trip up Loch Long a few times a year.
Loch Long
Loch Long has a military history, providing a testing range for torpedoes in 1912, and since the development of the UK's nuclear fleet, along with neighbouring lochs, the infrastructure and base for submarines.
Kilmum
Steamers stopped at Kilmum, by Holy Loch, for Glaswegians to escape the city. The church has a historic churchyard and a mausoleum for the Dukes of Argyll.
Discover Argyll History
Read more about the places mentioned here and use our guides to Rest and Be Thankful, Loch Long, Lauder Memorial, Blairmore and Kilmun to help you plan a visit.
Falls of Falloch
Breadalbane History
We end at the northern end of the National Park and Rob Roy country, Balquhidder is the outlaw's resting place, and you can visit his grave. The Falls of Falloch, a beautiful waterfall known as 'Rob Roy's Bathtub', for his visits there.
BLISS Trail
‘The 'BLiSS Trail' is worth following as it will take you to some landmarks and objects of interest in Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre and St Fillans.
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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.