One of the most tragic figures of all of Scotland’s history has to be Mary, Queen of Scots. Throughout her early life, she moved regularly to stay safe from those who would do her harm. This meant she built connections with many locations throughout Scotland, the Trossachs being one of them. When you visit Loch Lomond Waterfront, it can be fun to travel around and visit these nearby places and follow in Mary’s footsteps.
A brief history of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Born in 1542 and daughter of King James V of Scotland, Mary was not even a week old before she became Queen of Scotland after her father’s unexpected death. King Henry VIII wanted her to marry his own son to unite the kingdoms. This was rejected by the Scottish parliament.
As a result, Mary was put in danger and spent most of her early life in hiding. She was eventually being sent to France for safety. After becoming Queen of France for just two years, she returned to Scotland a widow at 18 years old.
Her reign in Scotland was turbulent. She fled to England for her own safety. But Queen Elizabeth I distrusted her as Mary, through her ancestry as Henry VII of England’s great-granddaughter, had a claim to the English throne.
After imprisonment for 19 years, Mary was eventually executed in Fotheringhay Castle in Northamptonshire in 1587. Today, her remains lie in Westminster Abbey in London, within a beautiful ornate tomb.
Mary’s local travels in Scotland
Whilst there is no record of Mary visiting Loch Lomond, she stayed for a while in a priory on nearby Lake of Menteith. It was here in Inchmahome Priory that she was sent for a few weeks in 1547 when she was only 4 years old. Although the priory is in ruins now, you are still able to visit by boat between the 1st April and the 1st November.
Mary also stayed at Stirling Castle. Both as a child and after returning from France. The castle is only a 40 minute drive away, and is definitely worth a day out exploring. The castle is significant in Mary’s history as it was where she was crowned, in the chapel royal, on the 9th September 1543. Stirling Castle was where she lived before travelling to Inchmahome Priory, and then shipping out to France.
For those keen to travel a little further, you can visit Lintlithgow Palace, Mary’s birth place. Although now a roofless ruin, it is still and awe-inspiring building, especially with its strikingly modern “crown of thorns” spire.
History all around us
History permeates the Scottish landscape, especially around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. And it’s not just Mary, Queen of Scots. From the vikings to Rob Roy and the stories of whisky smugglers, there’s always something to discover. Book your stay at Loch Lomond Waterfront today and begin your exploration of this fascinating part of the country. All safe in the knowledge you have a luxurious lodge or chalet to return to and enjoy a cosy night in. Check out our special offers and book your stay.
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