One of the things I love about Scotland is the surprising opportunities you have to see unusual animals and birds. I was really pleased, when on a tour of Loch Lomond with Cruise Loch Lomond, we were lucky enough to have a herd of wild Loch Lomond goats pointed out to us.

When we arrived home I looked them up on the internet and found an interesting story that links these feral goats to the famous medieval King of Scotland, Robert the Bruce.

Legend states that before being crowned King, Robert was being hunted by soldiers and he hid in a cave by Loch Lomond. A group of goats arrived and started browsing around the entrance to the cave. When the soldiers arrived the fugitive King-to-be heard them discussing whether they should search the cave, but they decided that if anyone was in there the goats would not be browsing and lying down around it, so they left. The relieved and appreciative Bruce, upon gaining power, forbade anyone from harming the goats.

Maybe this was the very first legal Act passed to protect wildlife in Scotland?

The cave is still there on the side of the loch and you can visit it by taking a Cruise Loch Lomond trip across the loch from Tarbet to Inversnaid.  If you are lucky you may spot some of the King’s wild goats too!