Loch Lomond, Arden

NS38SE 53 367 842

The crannog identified at Arden is large with a steep slope to c.2.8m depth on the W (shore) side and lies a considerable 106m from the shore. It merges to the E (offshore) into the surface of a natural, presumably glacial, mound. On this side it was difficult to establish where the edge of the site is and particularly where the upper surface gives way to the slope down to the bottom as the top surface, bottom edge and lochbed are all about the same level.

Three timbers and a small oak pile were discovered on the top and planned. There is some erosion where a warning marker buoy with a very heavy chain is moored. It is this damage that has exposed the small pile.

The crannog is probably the same site described under NS38SE 23 although the area directly off Auchindennan should be examined more closely. This site was recorded as nearly 30 yards offshore in the late 18th century and was thought to be a ruined and sunken church (see NS38SE 1) . By the mid 19th century the site was 'much farther from the shore' (W Fraser 1869).

STUA and FIRAT (2/1998); NMRS MS 993/5; W Fraser 1869

NS 367 842 Auchenglish or Arden. Distance to shore 105m; diameter 30m; height 2.7m; depth underwater c 1.3m. One oak pile and three timbers located. Apparently built on a glacial mound. First recorded in late 18th century.

Sponsors: Historic Scotland, Friends of Loch Lomond, Loch Lomond Park Authority/SNH, Dunbartonshire Enterprise.

F Baker and N Dixon 1998.