Loch Katrine

The name of this loch is probably derived from the Gaelic word cateran, meaning a highland robber and not a woman’s name. The loch itself is about 10 miles long, stretching from the Trossachs Pier in the southeast towards the tip of Loch Lomond.

It was the inspiration for Sir Walter Scott’s epic poem The Lady of the Lake, which in turn helped to promote the Trossachs area. The steamship that sails during the summer from the pier to Stronachlachar, the Point of the Mason, on the western side of the loch is named after the famous writer.

An earlier ferry, the Gypsy, was transported to the loch by road from Stirling. However, this boat was deliberately sunk within two weeks of its arrival – the crew of the existing ferry, Water Witch, was suspected, but nothing could be proved.

Since 1859 water has been piped from the loch to the city of Glasgow, 35 miles away, and the water level was raised 17 ft to meet the city's demand. Lochs Arklet, Achray and Venachar are also part of this water supply.

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