Island I Vow facts for kids
Eilean I Vow is a tiny island located in Loch Lomond, a famous lake in west central Scotland. You might also hear it called Ellan I Vow, Eilean a' Vow, or Island I Vow. This small island was even mentioned in old documents from the 1200s and 1300s as "Elanvow."
The island is quite small, only about 80 meters long. Its highest point is just 10 meters above the water. It sits across from a spot on the mainland called Rubha Bàn and is north of another island, Inveruglas Isle.
Eilean I Vow was once a strong base for the Clan MacFarlane, a powerful Scottish family. They built a castle here after their previous one on Inveruglas Isle was no longer used. In 1710, a writer named Buchanan of Auchmar described the castle as "a pretty good house with gardens."
The name "Eilean I Vow" might come from old Scottish Gaelic words. Some think it means "Island of the Shop" or "Island of the Sunken Rock." You can learn more about the island's name by visiting this website.
Exploring Island I Vow's History
Island I Vow is a very important historical site. The Scottish Government protects it as a scheduled monument. This means the castle ruins are special because of their connection to the MacFarlane chiefs. They also offer clues about how people lived in island strongholds long ago.
The MacFarlane Castle Remains
The castle on Eilean I Vow was still in use in 1724. However, by 1814, it had fallen into ruins. Today, parts of the castle's east and south walls are still standing. The north wall, though, has mostly collapsed.
In 2012, when the water levels in Loch Lomond were low, experts checked the island. They found that a wall once surrounded the entire island! This discovery helps us understand more about the castle's defenses.
Helping Preserve the Island
A group called the Ellan Vhow Preservation Fund works to protect this historic place. They support archaeological studies to learn more about the island's past. They also help keep the castle ruins safe for future generations.
