Boat trip on Loch Lomond in context of a Clan Colquhoun Tour
Introduction
This evening I am reprising a one-day private group tour of sites associated with Clan Colquhoun.
Information on the Clan Colquhoun Tour: Part 1
First I collected the group from central Glasgow and embarked on a Clan Colquhoun themed tour as set out below.
Next we stopped, for photographs, at the scenic spot of Ardochlay on the bank of Loch Lomond.
Ardochlay, Loch Lomond, Scotland
Next, to nearby Luss on the banks of Loch Lomond. Here we availed of a one hour boat trip which covered the southern section on Loch Lomond. Our principal objective was to obtain a view of the Clan Seat of Rossdhu Mansion. This building is not accessible to the public from the shore. Rossdhu sits at heart of the Loch Lomond Golf Club which is very private.
Luss Pier with Ben Lomond in background.
Video clip from Luss Pier. Note person swimming in the icy water.
Clouds over Loch Lomond
Information on the Clan Colquhoun Tour: Part 2
On return to Luss we walked along the shore, visited the Clan shop and then to Luss Parish Church.This Presbyterian place of worship occupies an ancient site and has Colquhoun burials in the graveyard.
Next we had a light lunch at the Coach House Coffee Shop at Luss.
Next we drove a short distance to the grand entrance gates of Rossdhu Mansion for photographs.
Entrance gates to Rossdhu
After departing Luss we drove to nearby Glen Fruin, along a fascinating single-track road.This was the location of a battle in 1603 between the MacGregors and the Colquhouns in which the former prevailed. Along this road we encountered a couple of photogenic Highland Cows.
Highland Cows
Next, we aimed for Dumbarton Rock,. This is a very ancient site which was formerly (about 1500 years ago) the heart of the Kingdom of Strathclyde. In the 15th century Iain of Luss (a Colquhoun) captured and held Dumbarton Castle on instructions of the King. Iain was appointed Sheriff of Dumbarton in 1427.
Governor’s Residence at Dumbarton Castle.
View of Clyde from Dumbarton Rock
The route to Dumbarton took us past Gare Loch (a fjord) and through upscale Helensburgh.
The visit to Dumbarton concluded the tour after which we travelled back to Glasgow where the tour terminated.
The weather today was reasonably benign and dry, with temperature around 9 C.
Background information on the Colquhouns
The Colquhouns acquired extensive lands in the region during the 13th and 14th centuries via a combination of grants and marriage.
In the early 15th century the Colquhouns filled a local power vacuum by acquiring control of Dumbarton Castle. Subsequent significant events are summarised below.
- Ian of Luss ( Clan Chief) was murdered by Macleans of Duart in 1439.
- In the 15th century the 11th chief built the castle of Rossdhu on the banks of Loch Lomond, the ruins of which still exist.This chief achieved high political office while his son became Bishop of Argyll.
- In 1603 a force of 400 MacGregors defeated a force of Colquhouns an event which resulted in outlawing of Clan Gregor,
- In 1774 construction of the Rossdhu Mansion (image no 3 above began. This is still owned by the Colquhouns but leased to a golf club.
- In 1873, the 11th baronet of Luss was drowned in Loch Lomond together with a number his men. Cause was an overloaded boat which capsized after a hunting expedition on an island in Loch Lomond.
- Sir Ian Colquhoun the 31st chief who died in 1948 is remembered for his conservation work. This included leadership of heritage organisation, The National Trust for Scotland.
Luss is a conservation village popular with locals and tourists.
More Information on Loch Lomond and environs
For more information on Loch Lomond and other scenic sites in Scotland refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This publication is also available via Kindle.