Interesting Loch Lomond Facts
Here at Loch Lomond Waterfront holiday resort, we are so lucky to call the stunning Loch Lomond area our home. Loch Lomond is a freshwater loch (Scottish lake) on the boundary between the highlands and lowlands of Scotland. Located right on its eastern shores, we get the best of both worlds here. We’re within easy reach of vibrant cities like Glasgow and Stirling to the south, yet we are also on the doorstop of the magnificent Scottish Highlands in the north. There’s so much to tell you about where we love, it’s time to share some of our favourite Loch Lomond facts!
1. Name and origin
There are a few theories as to where the name Loch Lomond came from. Loch, of course, means lake. Some believe the word Lomond comes from the Gaelic leamhan, which means elm, making it the “Lake of Elms”. While others suspect Lomond originates from laom, meaning beacon, referring to nearby mountain Ben Lomond as “Beacon Hill”.
2. The Song
Loch Lomond was made famous by the song “The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond”, first published in 1841. “O ye’ll tak’ the high road, and I’ll tak’ the low road, and I’ll be in Scotland a’fore ye”. Many think of it as a romantic song, but the lyrics actually relate to the Jacobite Rising of 1745, the last in a series of bloody revolts against the British throne.
3. Size and Shape
The loch is 36 km long, up to 8 km wide, 0.2 km deep and has a surface area of 71 km2. The basin in which it lies was carved out by glaciers at the end of the last ice age, around 10,000 years ago. It is classified as a ribbon lake, because it is long and narrow in shape.
4. Largest loch
It’s big! Loch Lomond is the largest lake by surface area in Great Britain, and the second largest lake by volume in Great Britain, after Loch Ness. In fact, Loch Lomond and Loch Ness, together with Lochs Awe, Morar and Shiel, hold around a third of all the lake water in Scotland.
5. Loch Lomond monster
We’ve all heard of the Loch Ness monster, but did you know that Loch Lomond has its own monster too? Sightings of a beast resembling a plesiosaur or a large crocodile have been reported on several occasions, so keep an eye out when dipping your toes!
Some brave souls have been out to search for it – here’s how they got on.
6. Highland Boundary Fault
The loch lies on the Highland Boundary Fault, a major fault zone in the earth’s crust, which separates two very different types of terrain in Scotland. The Highlands are to the north and the Lowlands to the south. It is a place of great scientific interest, studied by geologists from all over the world.
Balmaha sits on the Highland Boundary Fault, and provides key evidence of ancient continental collisions that shaped Scotland’s landscapes. The fault line stretches from Stonehaven to Bute, and marks a visible divide between the rugged metamorphic rocks of the Highlands and the softer sedimentary rocks of the Lowlands. The complex geological history suggests that different rock groups were brought together through powerful tectonic movements, though the exact process remains debated. Balmaha’s spectacular scenery is visible all around us, and is a great introduction to geology.
7. Interesting islands
Its waters contain 22 islands and 27 islets (very small islands). Most of them have Inch in their name, which means island. Many have their own interesting island facts and stories.
8. Mountains and Munros
It is surrounded by majestic mountains and munros. The most famous of which is Ben Lomond, at a height of 974 m. This is one of the most popular climbs in Scotland, with over 30,000 people reaching the summit each year.
9. National park
Today, the loch forms part of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. The Scottish parliament established the park in 2002 as a protected area for conservation. It encompasses around 1,865 km2 of some of the most breathtaking scenery in Scotland.
10. Fishing is good!
Fish species
Loch Lomond is a popular fishing destination with 15 native fish species, making it one of the richest in biodiversity in Scotland. more than any other loch in Scotland. Salmon, sea trout and pike can be found here, but do remember to get a Loch Lomond fishing permit before throwing your hook in. And just to get you in the mood, let us introduce you to what has to be one of the best Scottish fishing songs ever made – Fishing is Good by Peter Mallan!
10. Loch Lomond today
Loch Lomond is extremely popular with tourists to this day. Easy to reach from major cities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling. With a rich history, stunning scenery, wildlife and nature, it has everything you need for a special Scottish break. Not to mention, our luxury lodges right on the waterfront. Come and see this spell-binding place for yourself!
