Lochearnhead (Gaelic) Ceann Loch Eireann
Lochearnhead lies within the Breadalbane area of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. It began as a junction on the north-south road between Callander and Killin.
This track was widely used by some of Scotlands earliest inhabitants. The first evidence of people in Lochearnhead comes from Mesolithic arrowheads found in Glen Ogle by former local policeman Tom Gibbon, and his son Donald. A settled population is in evidence in the Neolithic period, from a burial chamber at Edinchip, and from the cup-marked stones which lie between the Kendrum Burn and the Craggan Road, in what is known locally as the Druid Field. There is another site with cup and ring marks at the head of Glen Ogle.
Situated on the shores of Loch Earn, the village is now famous for its hosting of watersports. Worth noting is that Loch Earn is unusual in having it’s own ‘tidal system’. It does not have true tides but it is ‘seiching’. This is caused by the persistent prevailing wind blowing along the Loch which results in a stress on the water surface. These factors cause a minor slope on the Loch. Lochearnhead village in is a well-known centre for fishing, water sports, water skiing, canoeing and sailing.
Situated to the east of the village is Edinample Castle built by ‘Black’ Duncan Campbell of Glenorchy in the 17th century (though parts of the structure date back to the 1300s). Although this is now a private historical building, its presence denotes the importance of this area in the Trossachs.
The annual sheep shearing competition, Lochearnhead Shears, was established in 1993, growing to become one of the largest sheep shearing competitions in the United Kingdom. The event attracts international competitors, who come to attempt to win the ‘Scottish Blackface Shearing Champion’ title. Blackface sheep are the areas’ main breed, these mountain sheep requiring the competitors to use particular skills. The competition is held in June, and normally culminates in a ceilidh dance.
The Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, and Strathyre Highland Games and Gathering celebrated its 200th Anniversary in 2007. The Games are held in Lochearnhead on the second last Saturday of July. Events include the hill race, track and field events, heavy events like the caber and weight throwing, piping and pipe bands and highland dancing competitions. It is an opportunity for friends and family who may have left for other parts to return to the village and catch up.
Lochearnhead has the following facilities
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