1705 Drovers Inn: Where Rob Roy, The Scottish Outlaw, Once Frequented
Welcome to The Drovers Inn, where you’ll enter a truly traditional Scottish experience!
This historic inn is located at the northern end of Loch Lomond and 27 miles from Rob Roy’s grave.
This vibrant stone-built inn opened in 1705 as a cattle drover’s lodging.
With its stone walls, rugged setting, and a collection of taxidermy, the Drovers Inn might make you look twice.
History
The Drovers Inn was built in 1705, but the specific individual or family responsible for its construction isn’t well-documented.
The inn was established to serve as a rest stop for cattle drovers who were moving their herds from the Highlands to markets in the Lowlands.
It was strategically located near the head of Loch Lomond, making it an ideal spot for travelers to find food, drink, and shelter.
The inn quickly became a crucial part of the local economy and a key waypoint in the cattle-droving routes of the time.
The Legacy of Rob Roy
Among the many legends associated with the Drovers Inn, the most famous is that of Rob Roy, the Scottish outlaw who once frequented the establishment.
Rob Roy (Robert MacGregor) was born in 1671 at Loch Katrine.
He was the third son of a Lieutenant-Colonel and grew up in a time when the Clan MacGregor faced severe persecution.
The MacGregor name was outlawed, forcing Rob Roy to adopt his mother’s maiden name, Campbell, to evade the authorities.
Rob Roy became renowned for his extraordinary skills with the broadsword, his cunning, and his unyielding spirit.
His life took a dramatic turn when he entered the world of cattle trading, a major industry in the Highlands.
In 1711, he borrowed a significant sum of money from the Duke of Montrose to invest in cattle herding.
However, when his chief drover absconded with the funds, Rob Roy was left to face charges of embezzlement.
Rather than surrender, he became an outlaw, evading capture and continuing to lead his clan in acts of defiance against his enemies.
Throughout his life, Rob Roy was involved in numerous raids, battles, and escapes, each adding to his growing reputation as a folk hero.
His involvement in the Jacobite Rising of 1715 further cemented his status as a symbol of Scottish resistance.
Despite being charged with high treason, Rob Roy managed to evade capture for many years, living in the rugged landscapes of the Trossachs and continuing his activities as a cattle rustler and protector of the local people.
In 1725, after years of living as an outlaw, Rob Roy decided to turn himself into General Wade.
Surprisingly, he received a pardon from the King, ending his life on the run.
He died in 1734 and was buried in Balquhidder, where his grave, marked with the inscription “MacGregor Despite Them,” continues to draw visitors from around the world.
Interior
The place was everything you’d expect from a Scottish Highlands pub—stone walls, a remote setting, and even some peacocks running around outside.
When you enter The Drovers Inn, it’s as if you’ve been transported to a different era.
The inn’s architecture remains remarkably true to its 18th-century origins.
Thick stone walls, low ceilings, and dimly lit corridors create an atmosphere that is both cozy and slightly mysterious.
The décor is an eclectic mix of antique furnishings, old photographs, and yes, a fair share of stuffed animals, including the infamous taxidermied bear that greets you at the entrance.
Then you’ll find yourself in our cozy, character-filled bar area—yes, it’s a bit dark and small, but it’s full of Scottish charm.
The bar is stocked with a fine selection of Scottish whiskies, ales, and spirits, ensuring that you’ll have plenty of options to choose from as you settle into one of the well-worn seats.
The menu offers traditional Scottish fare, with dishes like their famous steak pie and the quintessential haggis, neeps, and tatties, giving you a true taste of the Highlands.
Ghostly Legends
The Drovers Inn is not just known for its hearty meals and historic charm—it’s also famous for its ghost stories.
The inn is considered one of the most haunted in Britain, with tales of ghostly apparitions that have been passed down through generations.
The Ghost of the Young Boy
One of the most well-known ghost stories associated with The Drovers Inn is that of a young boy who is said to have perished in the early 19th century.
The story goes that a family traveling through the Highlands was caught in a fierce snowstorm near Loch Lomond.
Desperate for shelter, they made their way to The Drovers Inn, but tragically, the young boy succumbed to the freezing temperatures before they could reach safety.
It is said that the boy’s spirit never left the inn.
Guests have reported seeing the ghostly figure of a child in various parts of the building, most often in their rooms at night.
One common account is of the boy standing silently at the foot of the bed, his eyes full of sadness, before slowly fading away.
Some guests have even claimed to feel a cold, child-sized hand brushing against theirs or heard soft footsteps when no one else is around.
These encounters have left many visitors with an eerie sense of both sorrow and unease.
The Tragic Bride
Another haunting tale involves the spirit of a young bride.
According to legend, a bride and her groom were staying at The Drovers Inn on the first night of their honeymoon.
The bride, who was overwhelmed with joy and excitement, retired to her room while her husband stayed downstairs to enjoy a few more drinks.
When he eventually returned to their room, he found his new wife lying dead, her face contorted in a look of terror.
No one knows for sure how she died, but her spirit is said to linger in the inn to this day.
Guests who stay in the bridal suite have reported an overwhelming sense of sadness, particularly in the middle of the night.
Some have claimed to see a woman in a white dress standing by the window, looking out as if waiting for someone.
Others have felt a cold presence beside them in bed, only to find the room empty when they turn on the light.
The Weeping Woman
Yet another ghostly resident of The Drovers Inn is known as the Weeping Woman.
Her story is less clear, but she is believed to be the spirit of a local woman who lost her child in a tragic accident many years ago.
Consumed by grief, she spent her final days wandering the area around Loch Lomond, her heartache echoing in her cries.
Her presence is often felt late at night, particularly in the oldest parts of the inn.
Guests have reported hearing soft sobbing coming from empty rooms or the faint sound of a woman’s voice calling out for her lost child.
Some have even seen a misty, shadowy figure drifting through the halls, disappearing around corners only to be heard weeping in the distance.
Those who encounter her describe a feeling of deep sorrow as if the weight of her grief has been momentarily shared with them.
Rooms At The Drovens Inn
The Drovers Inn offers a variety of guest rooms to choose from.
The inn is a unique building filled with 300 years of history, and it provides special accommodation near Loch Lomond.
It has rooms that fit your budget and style.
Here are some pictures of the rooms in the Drovers Inn.
