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Loch Lomond is described by many
as the Queen of Scottish Lochs and is often referred to as the 'Gateway
to the Highlands'.
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In the Summer of 2002, the new Lomond
Shores Visitors' Complex was opened. Set up to attract
more visitors to Loch Lomond, this 60 million pound development
is aided by funding from the European Development Agency and the
Scottish Enterprise Trust.
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Loch Lomond is the largest expanse of fresh
water in Great Britain. It covers 27.5 square miles (44sq km), is
23 miles long (37km), 5 miles wide (8km) and is Scotlands 3rd deepest
Loch at a depth in excess of 600 ft (200 meters). It is 22 ft (7
meters) above sea level and has been used as a controlled fresh
water resevoir since 1971.
Water temperatures vary on Loch Lomond; in August the temperature
can be as high as 12 degrees centigrade and in winter can plummet
to below zero. On rare occasions Loch Lomond has been known to freeze
over in winter.
Up to 100 million gallons (4,500 million litres) of water is abstracted
from Loch Lomond each day to boost water supplies in Central Scotland.
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1 foot (30cm) of depth of the loch contains nearly
5,000,000,000 gallons (22,500,000,000 litres) and the average rainfall
over the catchment area is 80 inches (160 cm). The effects of the
water scheme will barely be noticeable except possibly in an unusally
dry year. Two thirds of this rainfall comes from the Northern end
of the Loch.
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Wildlife |
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Loch Lomond has 200 different species of birds,
either inhabiting or visiting the area, including eagles, peregrine
falcons, ospreys and capercaillies – the largest grouse in
the world which breeds on two of the more secluded islands and occasionally
puts in an appearance on the mainland.
There are a variety of mammals on the Loch side,
which include wild cats, deer and goats. Wallabies can also be found
on the middle islands of the Loch, as they were introduced to the
islands by Lady Arran, sister of Sir Ivor Colquhoun, who bred them
in the 1950s. Today the numbers have increased to approximately
50 – they can still be seen roaming the islands to this day!
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There are approximately 14 species of fish in Loch Lomond. A number
of fish migrate between the Loch and various streams and rivers
flowing into it – undoubtedly the most famous of these are
salmon and sea trout.
The most important fish in Loch Lomond is the 'Powan', which is
a rare type of fresh water herring. It was trapped in Loch Lomond
during the last ice-age, and as the water de-salinated it adapted
to its new environment. Powan are known to be plentiful in the southern
end of the loch, where food supplies are better and spawning grounds
are more readily available.
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Illicit
Stilling |
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Balloch Castle |
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A large complex of illicit stills discovered on islands showed
that distilling was a large scale operation from around the late
17th century.
Private distilling was restricted and finally banned in 1781, but
a huge trade in smuggled whisky soon developed, much of it during
the Napoleonic Wars period when imported brandy and wines were in
short supply.
Excise men made determined efforts to seize the illicit whisky
which was being transported to Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Landowners turned a blind eye to the illicit distilling as smuggling
brought income to their tenants.
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Balloch Castle was built in 1808. The castle you see today is a
more modern building than the original castle which was destroyed
in the mid 1700's, and was the seat of the Earl of Lennox.
Balloch Castle is now owned by Glasgow City Council who allow the
property to be managed by the local authority. The Castle is part
of the large country park which is open to the public with free
admission. The castle's grounds have been used to host musical events
where acts have included Gaelic rock band Runrig aswell as Mancunian
rockers Oasis.
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