The sun was shining and the Mini was raring to go. A good run up to the Trossachs was in order.  Unfortunately by the time we reached Lake of Menteith the clouds had rolled in and the sun was trying hard to hide.

The Lake of Menteith, bound to the north by the Menteith Hills and to the south by farmland, woodlands and rare lowland raised bogs, is often called Scotland's only Lake.  Its name probably comes from Laich of Menteith, meaning Lowland of Menteith.  The change to "Lake" is put down to an innocent map-making error!  Over the years it has been written down in many different ways - as Loch of Monteith, Loch of Inchmahome and Laicht of Monteith.

Sitting on the largest island on the Lake is Inchmahome Priory.  A home to Augustinian monks for over 400 years.  The priory was founded in 1238 by Walter Comyn, Earl of Menteith, one of the country's most powerful noblemen,  Robert the Bruce visited the island three times during the Scottish Wars of Independence and the young Mary Queen of Scots took refuge here with her mother in 1547.  

Today you can visit by small boat, and Historic Scotland look after the ruins and the island.  Osprey, otters and red squirrels do call it home.  they didn't show today, however I will be back!  Next time a picnic will be in order, some sunshine on demand and maybe see one of the elusive red squirrels.

Inchmahome PrioryLake of Menteith