Fraoch Eilean (Loch Awe)

Fraoch Eilean is a small island of around two acres at the northern end of Loch Awe, in Argyll, crowned by the ruins of a medieval royal castle. In 1267 King Alexander III gave the castle into the keeping of Clan Macnaghten, and the island is also linked to one of the great legends of Gaelic mythology.

Landscape

Fraoch Eilean is one of a group of small islands at the north end of Loch Awe, with Innischonain to the north, Inishail to the south, and the smaller islets of Eilean Beith and Badan Tomain to the north-east. Above the loch rise the slopes of Ben Cruachan, and nearby stands the much larger Kilchurn Castle, the famous Campbell stronghold on a peninsula at the head of the loch.

History

The castle on Fraoch Eilean was a royal castle, given to the Macnaghtens to keep for the king in 1267. Its ruins, overgrown with trees, still show the outline of the walls. The castle guarded an important route through the Highlands, along Loch Awe and the Pass of Brander, which was the scene of a battle won by Robert the Bruce in 1308.

The tale, a Gaelic version of the Greek myth of the Hesperides, was published in English in The Scots Magazine in 1756.

More about Fraoch Eilean

The island’s name literally means “heather island”, but it may really mean “Isle of Fraoch”, after a hero of Celtic legend. The story tells of a rowan tree on an island in Loch Awe whose fruit restored youth and cured hunger, guarded by a serpent coiled around its trunk. Fraoch stole some of the fruit, but when he was sent back for the tree itself, the serpent attacked, and both died in the fight. A cairn was raised where Fraoch fell, and the island was named after him. The tale, a Gaelic version of the Greek myth of the Hesperides, was published in English in The Scots Magazine in 1756.

Visiting

There is no ferry to Fraoch Eilean. It can be seen from the shores of Loch Awe near Lochawe village and from boat trips on the loch. You can collect Fraoch Eilean as a landing or a sighting in your Island Passport.

Wildlife and area

Loch Awe is good for Osprey, Eurasian Otter and Grey Heron, and you may see Goosander, Great Crested Grebe and Common Sandpiper on the loch. Look out for Golden Eagle and Buzzard over Ben Cruachan. Other islands nearby include Innis Chonan and Inishail.