Balloch, West Dunbartonshire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Balloch
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 National Park Visitor Centre with the 'Maid of the Loch' in the background |
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 Balloch
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| Population | 6,010 (2020) |
| OS grid reference | NS390820 |
| • Edinburgh | 54 mi (87 km) |
| • London | 360 mi (580 km) |
| Civil parish |
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| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | ALEXANDRIA |
| Postcode district | G83 |
| Dialling code | 01389 |
| Police | Strathclyde |
| Fire | Strathclyde |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament | |
| Scottish Parliament | |
Balloch is a charming village in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland. It sits right at the very bottom of the famous Loch Lomond. This makes it a super popular place for visitors!
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What Does the Name Balloch Mean?
The name Balloch comes from an old Gaelic word. It might come from baile, which means "village" or "hamlet". Or it could come from bealach, meaning "a pass" through hills. If it's from baile, then Balloch means "village on the loch," referring to Loch Lomond.
Where is Balloch Located?
Balloch is found at the northern end of the Vale of Leven. It is split by the River Leven. The village is connected to the bigger town of Alexandria. It also links to the smaller village of Jamestown. Both of these places are to the south of Balloch.
Balloch is also close to the Kilpatrick Hills. To the east, you'll find a large housing area called 'The Haldane'. The big city of Glasgow is about 16 miles (26 km) to the southeast. Balloch is on the same latitude as Moscow, Russia!
Fun Things to Do in Balloch
Balloch is a very important place for tourism. It's easy to get to, being at the south end of Loch Lomond. Many visitors come from Glasgow and Dumbarton.
Explore Loch Lomond
You can find many hotels, inns, and pubs in Balloch. The most popular activity is taking a boat trip on Loch Lomond. Boats leave from Balloch to explore the loch. You can even visit nearby places like Luss by boat. Balloch is where most of the boats on Loch Lomond start their journeys.
Historic Vessels and Parks
The village is also home to the Skylark XI. This boat helped rescue 600 soldiers during WWII from Dunkirk. You can visit Balloch Country Park and Balloch Castle here. Balloch is also at the start of Scotland's first national park, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
Other Attractions
There is a Sea Life Centre in the village. It's a great place to see amazing sea creatures. The old PS Maid of the Loch is being fixed up at Balloch pier. The Balloch Steam Slipway is also nearby.
How to Get Around Balloch
Balloch has good road connections. The A811 road goes from Balloch to Stirling. The A813 connects Dumbarton to Balloch.
Cycling and Trains
If you like cycling, the Glasgow to Loch Lomond cycle path ends in Balloch. The West Loch Lomond Cycle Path also starts here. Balloch has one train station. It's the last stop on the North Clyde Line from Glasgow.
Learning in Balloch
Balloch has two primary schools for younger students. These are Balloch Primary School and St Kessog's Primary School. Both schools are located together at the new Balloch Campus. Balloch Primary School was formed in 2018. It brought together students from Haldane Primary School and Jamestown Primary School.
Famous People from Balloch
Some well-known people have lived in Balloch:
- George Findlay – A brave person who received the Victoria Cross award.
- Sharleen Spiteri – A singer and guitarist, famous for being the lead singer of the band Texas.
- Morgan McMichaels – A popular drag queen.
- Ross Murdoch – A talented swimmer who won a gold medal in 2016.
See also
