Sweeney's Cruises

Loch Lomond is described by many as the Queen of Scottish Lochs and is often referred to as the 'Gateway to the Highlands'.

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.

Statistics

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.

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.

Wildlife

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!

Over the years the company has expanded to include the five passenger boats we now operate. We are still very much a family business with John and Catherine Sweeney firmly at the helm.

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.

Illicit Stilling

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.

Balloch Castle

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.