Inveruglas Isle

Inveruglas Isle lies in Loch Lomond near the northern shore at Inveruglas, directly across from Inversnaid. The island’s name in Gaelic means ‘mouth of the black stream’, describing its position where a dark watercourse meets the loch. A ruined castle stands on the island, once the stronghold of Clan MacFarlane chiefs. In the 17th century Cromwell’s troops destroyed the castle during their campaign in the Highlands. The island sits opposite the Loch Sloy power station, adding an industrial contrast to the natural scene. The castle ruins offer a glimpse into the past of the MacFarlane clan, who were prominent in this part of Scotland. The Roundhead forces targeted the stronghold as part of their wider suppression of Highland power. Today the ruins remain as a quiet reminder of those conflicts. The island itself is small and uninhabited, covered with grass and heather. Its isolation adds to the sense of stepping back in time when visiting. Visitors reach the island by boat from Inveruglas or Inversnaid, with the crossing taking only a few minutes. The view from the shore shows the castle’s crumbling walls rising above the water. The surrounding loch stretches northwards, framed by hills and forests. On calm days the water reflects the ruins and the distant power station. The island’s quiet atmosphere makes it a peaceful place to explore for a short time.