Island I Vow

Island I Vow is a small wooded islet near the head of Loch Lomond, about 80 metres long and 10 metres high. It holds the ruins of a castle built by the chief of Clan MacFarlane in 1577, which became the clan’s main home after their castle on Inveruglas Isle, further down the loch, was destroyed.

Landscape

Island I Vow lies in the narrow, deep northern part of Loch Lomond, between steep mountains, close to Ardlui at the head of the loch. Its trees hide the ruins of the castle, whose east and south walls are still in reasonable condition, though the north wall has largely collapsed. When the loch’s water level was low in 2012, a survey found that a wall once ran around the whole island.

History

The MacFarlane chiefs built the castle in 1577, and it became their main residence after Inveruglas Castle was destroyed. It was still lived in in 1724 but had fallen into ruin by 1814, after the chief moved to the mainland. The island’s name appears in older sources as Elanvow or Elanavow, and probably comes from the Gaelic eilean a’ bhùtha, “island of the booth or store”; another suggestion is bodha, “sunken rock”.

More about Island I Vow

The castle is protected as a scheduled monument, recognised as being of national importance for its links with the MacFarlane chiefs and as an example of a medieval island stronghold. A local trust has worked to preserve the ruins. The MacFarlanes were known as fearsome cattle raiders, and the full moon was once called “MacFarlane’s Lantern” after their night-time expeditions.

Visiting

There is no regular landing on Island I Vow, but it can be seen from boat trips on the northern part of Loch Lomond and from the A82 near Ardlui. Please take care with the fragile ruins. You can collect Island I Vow as a landing or a sighting in your Island Passport.

Wildlife and area

The northern end of Loch Lomond is good for Eurasian Otter, Osprey and Goosander, and the surrounding hills for Golden Eagle, Red Deer and feral goats. Look out for Common Sandpiper along the shore. Other islands nearby include Inveruglas Isle, Wallace's Isle and Tarbet Isle.