The Lake became a Lake officially when it was named the Lake of Monteith in the Ordance Survey Mapping of 1866. Lake was a term that was being increasingly used in Victorian literature of the Trossachs at that time and there are many theories as to why The Loch of Menteith or the Loch of Inchmahome as it was locally known received this name change.

It is a mesotrophic body of water and is also a site of special Scientific Interest due to the exceptional flora and fauna. In addition to the trout and pike the area attracts spectacular bird life with Ospreys and Sea Eagles in regular attendance.

Historically the Lake has much to offer. There are remains of marching camps of Agricola’s Roman invasion AD82 when 8000 legionares were encamped on the Malling Shore. On InchMahome (Inish mo Colm), the largest island, there are the impressive and peaceful ruins of the 13th century Augustinian Priory and the remains of the Earl of Menteith’s Castle on Inch Talla.

The priory was founded in 1238 by Walter Comyn on an existing religious site by the Earl of Menteith, who along with his family are buried there. Robert the Bruce is said to have regularly visited the island in the early 14th century prior to the Battle of Bannockburn.

Mary Queen of Scots used the island as a refuge in 1547 when she was just a young child. Her safety became paramount after the Battle of Pinkie in September of that year. She was kept on the island until safe passage to France could be obtained.

During the second world war the Lake was a storage depot for incendiary ordnance and remnants of three “ministry” piers remain, which include the Pier which still berths the ferries to Inchmahome.

The Lake was a traditional home of the Grand Curling Match or Bonspiel in which the North of Scotland took on the South.

On the southern shore of the lake, opposite the priory is a long, sandy peninsula called Arnmach. Legend says that this stretch of land was created by the faerie folk set free by the Earl of Menteith. There is also a faerie hill called Bogle Knowe at the lake in front of Lochend House.