In the first week of January 1895, the West of Scotland experienced a severe frost and the southern reaches of Loch Lomond began to freeze. This phenomenon was not unknown or particularly unusual. It had last frozen over in the winter of 1880-81 and indeed the year before that, on both occasions bearing the weight of a person for several weeks. It is the broad, shallower, southern stretch of the loch that is susceptible to freezing, the narrow, fijord-like northern arm is too deep. Freezing as far as Luss was not considered possible, but the frost of January and February 1895 proved this wrong.

“King frost on his throne.—(from our Glasgow Correspondent) Glasgow, Wednesday Forenoon. The frost in Glasgow and the West of Scotland to-day is the greatest for years and Loch Lomond is frozen for the first time for twelve years. There is still no communication between Glaagow and the West Highlands. An engine with a snow-plough to clear the West Highland line went off the rails yesterday afternoon, so thick were the snow-drifts. Men are digging through the snow, and the railway officials hope to have the line cleared to Fort William to-night.”—Greenock Telegraph, January 9, 1895

The ice began to bear around January 10 along the southern shoreline, and continued freezing weather allowed it to thicken over the following week. Towards the end of January, there was more snow and on Tuesday, January 29, the steamer, Prince of Wales, from Balloch had to make its way through ice an inch and a half thick. The following day, the sailing was cancelled.

Prince of Wales in the Ice at Balloch Pier

“Loch Lomond frozen over.—(by Telegraph) Alexandria, Noon.—To-day Loch Lomond is covered with ice as far the eye can see from Balloch, and so strong that the steamer was unable to make its usual run this morning. In some of the bays the ice is strong enough for skating, but in the deep water another night or two of frost will be required to make it thoroughly safe. If the frost holds till Saturday there will be several miles of splendid ice, quite safe for skaters.”—Glasgow Evening Post, 31 January, 1895

Early February brought more freezing weather and bearing ice extended as far as Inchmurrin. Tradition has it that the first to venture from the mainland to the island is presented with a pair of dee antlers for their “valour.” With more people venturing further onto the ice, a fatality occurred on February 9 when a young Alexandria man fell through .

“The Loch Lomond ice fatality.—Yesterday the Vale of Leven Humane Society continued the search for the body of Walter M‘Intyre, who was drowned in Loch Lomond on Saturday. Two boats’ crews were employed, and, having broken the ice with hammers, trawling was carried on, with the successful result that about two o’clock the body of the unfortunate youth was drawn up. In the course of the afternoon it was conveyed to Alexandria The young man resided with his mother.

“Large numbers visited Loch Lomond yesterday, and many went as far as Inchmurrin. The new ice was in splendid condition.

“Mr Boyes, a Glasgow writer, who is well acquainted with Loch Lomond, skated with a friend on Saturday afternoon from Balloch to Luss and returned yesterday morning at daybreak. The black ice was mostly very thin on Saturday, and the route taken was along the western shore, cutting off portions only of the bays. Coming back this morning they were able to keep much better out, but the ice is not yet sufficiently strong in the middle between Inchmurrin and Rossdhu, and it is rough from the freezing of ice broken by the wind. It is the wind more than anything else which prevents the Loch from Luss southwards freezing equally. No attempt should yet be made for this reason to skate to Luss via Balmaha. There was still some open water, though not much, yesterday morning south of Gull Island. The ice is said never to bear north of “Heather Island,” near Luss, but it is not unlikely that it may do so this season, if the frost continues and there is no wind. There was a great expanse of ice opposite Luss on Sunday morning, but it was broken up in the afternoon by wind. Such an occurrence causes the ice near Luss to be particularly dangerous, and no one ought to attempt to go any distance from the shore near “Heather Island.” Anyone wishing to go amongst the islands of Inchtavanach, Inchconnahan, &c., by way of the narrows, should cross well down Camstradden Bay. The ice is exceeding good there, and the scenery at this time of the year particularly interesting. Camstradden Bay is covered by a magnificent sheet of black ice, perfect in surface, all formed, of course, since the snow fell. This, however, does not imply that it takes longer to freeze there than near Balloch, but simply that when the partial thaw came a week ago it was accompanied by a heavy wind, which broke up all the old ice.”—Glasgow Herald, February 12, 1895

Mr Boyes wrote of his return on Monday morning:—“The journey was accomplished in absolute solitude. The weather was clear, in contrast to that of yesterday, and the scene on the ice at daybreak was one of incomparable beauty. Not a living soul was encountered till Inchmurrin was reached. Here the skater was cheerfully saluted by chanticleer, and an old woman who had gone down to the shore of the island ‘to fetch a pail of water.’ Not ’till near Balloch did he pass another skater, who, also solitary, was making his way up the loch, with the advantage of the wind at his back. The cold breeze in one’s teeth was the only drawback.to an ideal hour on the ice.”

On Friday, the 15th, there was a grand county curling bonspiel on Auchendennan Bay—there being 18 clubs engaged, forming 50 rinks, and embracing 200 players or more.

“Bonspeil on Loch Lomond.—On Saturday a bonspiel, open to clubs in the county of Dunbarton, took place on Loch Lomond. Mr J. M. Martin of Auchendennan gave a gold medal and a pair of silver handles for competition, the latter to be again played off at points by the winning rink. Mr Campbell Martin also gave a pair of handles. Helensburgh took first place with a majority of 34 points, 6 4-5 per rink.”—Glasgow Evening Post, February 18, 1895

Evening News, February 18, 1895

Saturdays 16th and 23th February saw throngs brought by special trains from Glasgow. The special trains were continued daily until the thaw set it.

Prince of Wales at Balloch Pier. There was wonderful painting of this scene in the resident’s lounge of the Loch Lomond Hotel until it closed. I often wonder what happened to it.

Passengers could board the Prince of Wales at Balloch Pier and pass through the steamer to access the ice by a wooden gangway. The catering department of the steamer was kept busy.

Prince of Wales with the gangway onto the ice

There were four steamers on the Loch, three of them laid up for the winter. In addition to Prince of Wales, The Queen and Empress in Drumkinnon Bay with the old Prince Consort anchored closer to the Cameron shore.

The steamer Empress nearest the camera with The Queen behind and the stern of the Prince of Wales at Balloch Pier

The Queen

There was much activity on the Loch. Not only various sporting contests but also vendors of various sorts, giving the lower reaches a carnival appearance. The Vale of Leven Humane Society did a Sterling job advising skaters where the ice was weak and setting out ladders where they might be used when someone fell through the ice, a not uncommon occurrence.

“Vale of Leven Humane Society and ice on Loch Lomond.—178 Bank Street, Alexandria, February 20, 1895. Sir,—There appears to be a pretty general belief among those who visited Loch Lomond on Saturday last that the money collected at various points, for instance at the footbridge across the crack in the centre of the loch, and at the seats provided for the use of skaters, was for the benefit of the above society. This is not the case, as these conveniences were due to private enterprise, and the money is retained by those interested. The Vale of Leven Humane Society placed on the ice fully a fortnight ago a number of ladders and also flags at the dangerous parts of the loch, as at that time it was not frozen fully over below Inchmurrin. On Thursday of last week the same society placed ladders and planks across the crack which was only six inches wide, and to-day they are putting up a large footbridge at the same place for the convenience and safety of skaters, and no one has any authority to uplift moneys for the crossing of this bridge. The society has been maintained for many years by donations from all classes in the district; but any visitors who may appreciate the measures taken for the prevention of accidents and are desirous of sending a contribution, however small the sum may be, are requested to communicate direct with the hon. treasurer. Mr Hugh Currie, jun., 40 Bridge Street, Alexandria, who will acknowledge any contribution that may be received.—I am, &c. Wm. Carlisle, Hon. Secretary.”—Glasgow Herald, February 21, 1895

Even during the week there were crowds when the weather was clear. The local photographer, Gilchrist, was active, taking photographs of skaters at the southern end of Inchmurrin, surrounding a vendor.

A crowd of skaters at the end of Inchmurrin (Gilchrist)

Allan Bayne at Inchmurrin (Gilchrist) This scene is found in a common postcard of the event.

The gentleman on skates is Allan Bayne who is mentioned in a snippet from “The Epilogue to the Old Vale and Its Memories.”

“I remember skating on the Loch. I remember the big rent in the ice, the fire in a brazier, and the hot pies. I had a pair of skates made, as regards the wood part, by the joiner at Ferryfield; the metal part was made from two of Tyzack’s Sheffield files. I skated bravely to Inchmurrin, keeping carefully on the track, because off it were danger-spots, springs. However, if one did risk leaving the track, he got on to virgin, uncut, and smooth ice where the practised skaters ventured to go. Allan Bayne, one of the expert skaters, was taking the risk. As I passed him he shouted: ‘Sandy, it’s like the floor of heaven!’ I got to Inchmurrin all right. There my heel screw snapped, and I had to walk back the three miles to Balloch.”

“To look at the crowds scattered over Loch Lomond yesterday between Balloch and Inchmurrin, and from there to Luss, might well, create the impression that there were as many on the ice as on Saturday. It was a glorious day; the great expanse of ice glittered in the bright sunshine; the snowclad hill-peaks rose out of the most beautiful of silvery mists. Inchmurrin, usually secluded and sacred, was like a village fair-ground, with orange-vendors, coffee-stalls, and roulette machines. Bicyclists careered all over the loch on well-defined tracks, and cricket and shinty were in full swing.”—Glasgow Evening Post, February 21, 1895

“An ice carnival on Loch Lomond —Tempted by the beautiful weather, and the novelty of the opportunity, an enormous number of people—estimated at 25,000—visited Loch-Lomond on Saturday and indulged In all manner of pastimes, skating, curling, shinty, sleighing, Ice-yachting, and even cycling, on the frozen parts of the loch. The Scottish Branch of the National Skating Association also held a racing competition. Beyond one or two slight casualties, no serious accident occurred.”—Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser, February 23 1895

Postcard of skaters on the Loch

Postcard of skaters on the Loch

Towards the end of February, the weather changed and the thaw set in.

“The weather.—The marked improvement in the temperature which set in on Thursday has continued. The frost which had held for so many weeks without intermission has at last been completely broken up, and present indications seem to point to the near approach of genial spring weather. From the Observatory the latest reports have shown a steady rise in the temperature, and accompanied as this has been with bright if all too brief intervals of sunshine both on Saturday and yesterday, a recurrence of the frost in anything like its recent severity may be regarded as extremely unlikely. This pleasant change, welcome as it must be in one sense to everybody, brought with it a keen disappointment to skaters, who had been anticipating for Saturday a sort of gala day on Loch Lomond. On the previous Saturday the ice on the loch was in splendid condition, and although upwards of 20,000 people disported i themselves upon it, the number, for various reasons, was much smaller than might have been expected. Had the frost continued, as it seemed for the greater part of the past week likely to do, there is no doubt that the number of skaters on the loch on Saturday would have reached a record total. Various events of a more or less sporting character had been arranged, which would have secured the attendance of some of the leading experts both in speed and ornamental skating, and quite a number of curling matches had been organised. To meet the expected enormous traffic to the loch the North British Railway Company had made arrangements on an extensive scale, and until Friday evening skaters and curlers were congratulating themselves on their prospective enjoyment. But during the night the thaw and a steady north-westerly wind began to tell disastrously upon the ice, and by Saturday morning the appearance of the loch had undergone an entire change. In many places the ice was badly broken up, and great stretches of it were covered with water. With commendable consideration and promptitude, Mr Cunningham, the district superintendent of the North British Railway, had placards exhibited at the city stations announcing the state of matters at the loch. The immediate effect was, of course, to induce many thousands of intending excursionists to remain at home. The railway company however maintained a frequent service of special train, between the city and Balloch Pier throughout the day, so that speculative spirits who chose to make the journey—and there were a good many of them—had nothing to complain of either as regards accommodation or the time occupied on the journey. Whether they were satisfied with the state in which they found the ice is another matter. At the lower end of the loch there were some splendid stretches, and to those who were content with a few hours’ tame but healthful exercise within a comparatively limited area, perhaps anything better could not have been desired. But the local Humane Society had put up ominous announcements as to the dangers of going far afield, and for the most part the occupants of the ice kept well within the safety line. During the greater part of the day a strong wind from the north-west swept down the loch, making it difficult to make headway towards Luss. A number of skaters, including several ladies, ventured however, to make the passage, and some of them succeeded, but the trip was not unattended with risk. In the vicinity of Inchmurrin the surface was rather bad at some parts, and there was no passage between Inchtavannach and the mainland owing to the extremely broken and dangerous condition of the ice. Near Cameron House several curling matches were carried through. Among the matches was between the Glasgow Northern and Vale of Leven clubs. There were three rinks a side, and the game was thoroughly enjoyable. The ice was rather soft, but very straight, and some splendid play was witnessed by thousands of skating spectators. The result was:—Glasgow Northern, 62, Vale of Leven, 21. The competitive skating events were, however, declared off. In the afternoon the number of skaters was considerably augmented by work-people from the Vale of Leven, but at no time were there more than perhaps three thousand persons on the loch. Before dusk most of the visitors had left. During the day one or two accidents were reported, but fortunately none of them was of a serious character.”—Glasgow Herald, February 25, 1895

Despite the forecast and warnings of danger, there were adventurous souls

“Loch Lomond.—February 24, 1895. Sir,-It may be interesting, though disappointing, to some of your readers to hear what they were averted from participating in on Saturday by regarding the reports of the somewhat overzealous North British Rallway Company, and not trusting to the promptings of common sense. Profiting by a correspondent’s interesting letter of last week, and accompanied by a friend, I left Glasgow by 9.15 a.m. train. On arriving at Balloch Pier a slight drizzle of rain was falling. But the weather looked promising, so leaving all unnecessary incumbrances at the gangway over the first fissure, we proceeded in the sunshine and mildness of a summer day, and after calling at Inchmurrin struck out for Balmaha, keeping immediately to the east of Inchmurrin, Creinch, Tonrinch, and Inchcailloch. From Balmaha we continued along the east shore to Inchlonaig, thence northwards, and not until after rounding Ross Point and one mile from Rowardennan Inn were we met by the open water, which was roaring in with the strong wind and making weird music in the fringe of shattered fragments which formed the margin of the ice. After visiting the inn we returned, making a straight line for Luss Pier, near which, however, the ice appeared thinner; so keeping eastwards to Inchlonaig we passed outside the Heather Island to the straits at Camstraddan, thence to Balloch—covering 25 miles. The ice between the pier and Inchmurrin was perhaps scarcely as good as on the previous Saturday, but on the rest of the route until reaching Camstraddan it would be hard to imagine finer. Cracks there were at intervals, but with ordinary care no risk need had been run in crossing these, as the ice maintained its full thickness up to the edge of the fissure. There was no occasion to pick one’s way, as the whole expanse appeared to be uniformly covered with the same smooth ice, which, especially by the beautifully-wooded eastern shore, reflected the rich colouring of the winter landscape vividly, and combined with the varied effects of light and shade, the softness of the air, the still solitude, and the novelty of the circumstances yielded a charm never to be forgotten by a lover of nature and romance.—I am, &c., H.”—Glasgow Herald, February 25, 1895

There were skaters on the Loch until March 4th.

James Strang, “Loch Lomond in Winter and Summer,” Windsor Magazine No 17, 1903, pp 667-675.