Inchconnachan

Boats moored at Inchconnachan

Inchconnachan is an island in Loch Lomond, forming part of the parish of Luss, Dunbartonshire. The name comes from the Gaelic Innis Chonachain meaning 'The Colquhoun's Island'. The 1920s wooden bungalow near to the narrows was the holiday home of Lady Arran Colquhoun.

Wildlife

Capercaillie nest here.

Wallabies

Red necked wallaby (picture taken in Australia)

Wallabies, of the species Macropus rufogriseus (Red-necked Wallaby), were introduced by Lady Colquhoun in the 1940s, and still roam wild. It is one of the very few places outside Australia which has a viable population of wallabies.

More recently, there has been great controversy over them, and it has been suggested that they should be culled, or eradicated, as they supposedly threaten the capercaillie population. The cull has proven controversial, as some tourists visit the area specifically to see them, and because some animal rights activists consider it cruel. Iain Sheves, factor for Luss Estates, has said,

"If it comes down a decision between rare native species, which are perhaps better served by being on an island because of predation issues, and a non indigenous population of creatures which shouldn’t really be there then we’ve got to go with the native species every time.

"I would hope that people come to Scotland to see native wildlife and habitats rather than a quirk of history.

"Ultimately, we all have a responsibility to try and promote and protect our native wildlife. To disregard that in order to maintain a tourist oddity is not the right thing to do."

Others are skeptical that the wallabies even pose a threat to the capercaillies, as they have lived together for at least 60 years, with no obvious harm done by the wallabies. They also argue that the capercaillies could fly to another island if the wallabies were creating too many problems.

Outside links

• Location map: 56°5’28"N, 4°36’43"W
• http://www.lochlomond-islands.com/
• article which mentions it
• Inchconnachan 2009