Long-lost settlements of Loch Lomond traced at last
More than 80 rediscovered sites are giving archaeologists an insight into life in the area hundreds of years ago, writes Alison Campsie
Archaeologists have traced a series of lost settlements around Loch Lomond for the first time. More than 80 sites were found on the western shores of the loch and through the straths of Arrochar, with remnants of homes, byres, shielings, farmsteads and possibly a mill recovered.
The vast majority of sites were previously unknown, with the remnants largely scattered over 30 settlements, many of which have not been mapped previously.
The research, by Dr Heather James of Calluna Archaeology, gives fresh insight into how the landscape was populated hundreds of years ago. The archaeologist was commissioned by Clan Macfarlane Worldwide to chart changes to the clan’s traditional territories over time. A possible watchtower on Tarbet Island, to the north west of the loch, which may have been used by clansmen to monitor activity on the water, was also discovered.
An early 17th-century almhouse on the western shore at Creag a’phuirt, which sits opposite the former seat of Clan Macfarlane on the island of Elanvow, has also been pinpointed.
Dr James said: “We found over 80 new sites, most of which had never been mentioned before. We are bringing these sites back into common knowledge. These lochs and glens were not empty. There were lots of people out there farming and using the landscape.”
Ruined bridges, sheepfolds, earth banks, quarries and field clearance cairns were also found, with many of the discoveries made in the straths of Arrochar, including Glen Douglas and Strath Dubh-uisge.
Dr James will pass the information to Canmore, the Historic Environment Scotland database, which will create a permanent record of how the famous Loch Lomond landscape and its people have changed over time. It is the first time the area has been mapped this way.
Dr James believes the almshouse at Creag a’phuirt was used by travellers passing through the area.
She added: “It is interesting that the almshouse was opposite the castle at Elanvow. They might have been used by those visiting the chief and perhaps they stayed overnight there before he went to meet them. I don’t think the building was lived in all the time, but more used as a place for travellers to stop over. This area certainly was a busy place. It strikes you as you walk through this landscape, there would have been lots of people and animals wandering about. On a quiet day, you can hear things for miles. It would have been very easy to keep an eye on what was going on in the area.
Dr James said bringing the missing history of the area to life has been “fantastic”. Only scant information on how the glen was inhabited has existed until now, with rental records and the odd vague map reference the only guide to everyday life around Loch Lomond.
The Macfarlanes owned much of the land around Arrochar until the mid 18th century. Several members of the clan were executed for their role in the Battle of Glenfruin, when they joined Clan Gregor in the mass killing of men and neighbours from Clan Colquhoun in 1603.
The clan’s territories were sacked by Cromwell’s forces in the 17th century, with its early seat at Inveruglas Isle among properties destroyed.
Dr James added: “They were a clan who struggled to keep their head above water but they eventually made peace with their rivals, the Campbells, which helped them for a while.”
The Loch Lomond and Arrochar lands were sold off to pay debts following the death of the 20th chief, Walter Macfarlane, in 1767.
Some of the newly mapped sites, such as Croitnein farmstead in Glen Douglas, were first recorded in rent- al documents in the 17th century and were still occupied by the 19th.
Clan Macfarlane Worldwide is also funding a dig in September at a site at the top of Loch Lomond, opposite Ardlui, in search of a possible medieval stronghold.