Bucinch

Bucinch, or Buc-Innis in Gaelic, “buck island” or “male goat island”, is a small, steep and heavily wooded island in Loch Lomond. It covers around seven and a half acres and lies due north of Inchcruin, rising steeply from a rocky shore to a summit 24 metres high, among the loveliest cluster of islands on the loch.

Landscape

Bucinch sits in the middle of the island-studded southern half of Loch Lomond, where the loch is broad and shallow and scattered with wooded islands. Its thick woodland and rocky shores make it look almost untouched, and from the water it is a dark green dome reflected in the loch. Nearby are Ceardach, Inchcruin, Inchconnachan and Inchlonaig.

History

Bucinch has been uninhabited for centuries, but the remains of a stone jetty show that people once came here regularly, perhaps to graze animals, cut wood or fish. In 1943 Bucinch and its smaller neighbour, Ceardach, were given to the National Trust for Scotland by Colonel Charles L. Spencer of Warmanbie, near Dumfries, to be protected for the nation.

Loch Lomond is the largest freshwater loch in Britain by surface area, and it sits at the heart of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

More about Bucinch

Loch Lomond is the largest freshwater loch in Britain by surface area, and it sits at the heart of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Its islands each have their own character, from the wallabies of Inchconnachan to the ancient yew trees of Inchlonaig, which are said to have been planted by order of Robert the Bruce to provide wood for bows. Bucinch, small and wild, is one of the quieter gems among them.

Visiting

There is no ferry to Bucinch, but it can be seen from boat trips and from kayaks on the loch. Please take care when landing on any of the loch’s islands, and leave no trace. You can collect Bucinch as a landing or a sighting in your Island Passport.

Wildlife and area

The woods and shores of Loch Lomond’s islands are home to Red Squirrel, Roe Deer and Eurasian Otter, and you may see Osprey fishing over the loch in summer. Look out for Great Crested Grebe, Goosander and Grey Heron on the water. Other islands nearby include Ceardach, Inchcruin, Inchconnachan and Ellanderroch.