Loch Tayside is in
Highland Perthshire
It is hard to imagine today that Loch Tayside’s
population in
the 1790s ran into thousands. The hills and banks of Loch Tay
were once peppered with clusters of houses, housing families,
which were often related to each other, all working the
surrounding land together.
The population of the village
Kenmore, at the eastern end of the
loch was some 3,500 people, which is hard to imagine today. If
you travel along the south Loch Tay road, you will still see
many of these ruined dwellings today, and I am sure you will
stop and think about the people who once lived here. The road is
narrow with spectacular views over the Loch to Ben Lawers and
the Highland Perthshire hills.
At the eastern end of Loch Tay, you will find the village of
Kenmore. Kenmore today boasts a modern shopping location where
you can purchase an exciting range of foods and other items. The
Kenmore Hotel is where Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet,
visited and left one of his poems. You will also find the
Scottish Crannog Centre, which is well worth a visit, and Taymouth Castle,
which will play a very important part in the
area’s future.
The area, which includes Loch Tay, covering the area east of
Kenmore, at Kenmore Castle to Tyndrum, on the west is known as
Breadalbane. This name comes from the Cambells of Glenorchy,
when they acquired theirs lads in Perthshire and was adopted
into their title when they were bestowed an Earldom in 1681. You
will find the name is much used today in local institution and
business names.
In 1769 one of Scotland’s earliest tourists was impressed by the
32 bridges built by the Earl of Breadalbane, who ruled and
controlled this part of Scotland. Before this time roads hardly
existed, and wheeled transport had little place in the
highlands.
Today Loch Tay has the lovely village of Killin at its west,
where you will see the popular Falls of Dochart, which are
particularly spectacular when the river is in spate. Killin has
a historic trail, which is well worthwhile following, to learn
about the village, and it’s past.
We suggest a drive around the Loch, stopping at Killin and
Kenmore, the two villages at either end of Loch Tay.
Attractions / Eating Out / <i>Free </i>visitor guide / Historic trails / Maps / Shops / Sport and Leisure / Table of contents / | 
