NIGHTBRINGER | The Arthurian Encyclopedia

Loch Lomond

Scottish Gaelic: Loch Laomainn | “Lake of the Elms”
Lake Lomond, Lumine, Lumond

Loch Lomond is one of the most famous and largest freshwater lakes in Scotland and the United Kingdom. It is located in the southern part of the Scottish Highlands and forms part of the boundary between the historic counties of Dunbartonshire and Stirlingshire.

This loch, notable for its many islands and rivers, is where Arthur – with the help of Cador of Cornwall and Hoel of Brittany – defeated an army of Picts and Scots. The barbarians fortified themselves on the lake’s sixty islands, but Arthur simply surrounded the lake, denied them food, and starved them to defeat. King Gillomaur of Ireland attempted to save the Picts and Scots, but he was also defeated by Arthur. After this battle, the northern barbarians acquiesced to Arthur’s power and became his vassals.


Loch Lomond | Prehistoric times to 800 AD

Prehistoric and Early Historic Periods
Loch Lomond and the surrounding area have a long history of human habitation dating back to prehistoric times. There is evidence of ancient settlements, burial mounds, and stone circles in the vicinity of the loch, suggesting that people have lived in the region for thousands of years.

Roman Influence
During the Roman occupation of Britain (43 to 410 AD), the southern part of Scotland, including the area around Loch Lomond, was part of the Roman province of Britannia. Roman roads and fortifications were constructed in the region, and the Romans had interactions with local Celtic tribes.

Early Christian Period
By the early Christian period, from around the sixth century onwards, Christianity began to spread into Scotland. Monasteries and religious communities were established, and some of these may have had an influence on the area around Loch Lomond.

Kingdom of Strathclyde
The area around Loch Lomond was historically part of the Kingdom of Strathclyde, a kingdom that existed in the region during the early medieval period. Strathclyde was home to a mix of Celtic and Brittonic peoples and had connections with the neighboring Kingdom of Northumbria.

Viking Incursions
From the late eighth century onwards, Viking raids and incursions into Scotland coastal areas, including the western regions near Loch Lomond, became more frequent. These raids had an impact on local communities and may have led to changes in settlement patterns and defenses.


See also
The Roman Empire | The Legend of King Arthur