Ceardach

Ceardach is a tiny, uninhabited island in Loch Lomond, lying east of Bucinch and north of Inchcruin. It covers only a fraction of an acre, but it has an intriguing name: Ceardach is the Gaelic for “smithy”.

Landscape

Ceardach is a small, rocky island in the middle of the island-studded part of Loch Lomond, where the loch is broad and scattered with wooded islands. Despite its size, a surprising variety of plants grow here, from seeds carried by birds, wind and water. There is a mature but stunted oak tree, along with willow, holly, briar and bramble, making it a little green haven in the middle of the loch.

History

The island’s name may be a clue to its past. Ceardach may have been the site of an Iron Age bloomery, a simple furnace for smelting iron ore, and the choice of a small island would have kept the fire and the work safely away from homes on the shore. In 1943, along with its neighbour Bucinch, Ceardach was given to the National Trust for Scotland by Colonel Charles L. Spencer of Warmanbie, near Dumfries.

Loch Lomond is the largest freshwater loch in Britain by surface area, and its southern half is scattered with around 30 islands, each with its own story.

More about Ceardach

Loch Lomond is the largest freshwater loch in Britain by surface area, and its southern half is scattered with around 30 islands, each with its own story. Nearby Inchconnachan is famous for its wallabies, Inchlonaig for its ancient yew trees, and Inchcailloch for its old church and nature trails. Ceardach, with its smithy name, adds a touch of Iron Age mystery to the mix.

Visiting

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

Wildlife and area

Loch Lomond’s islands and shores are home to Eurasian Otter, Red Squirrel and Roe Deer, and in summer Osprey fish over the loch. Look out for Great Crested Grebe, Goosander, Grey Heron and Common Sandpiper along the shore. Other islands nearby include Bucinch, Inchcruin, Ellanderroch and Inchfad.