The Port of Menteith, is a small community that offers boat trips to the ancient priory of Inchmaholme. Surrounded by fertile farmland and overlooked by the Menteith Hills, this village sits on the shores of Scotland's only Lake. From here, you can take a ferry to the peaceful island of Inchmahome and visit the romantic, 13th century priory where the infant Mary Queen of Scots was sent for safekeeping in 1547.

Inchmahome Priory is situated on Inchmahome ("Inch" meaning an island), the largest of three islands in the centre of Lake of Menteith, close to Aberfoyle, Scotland.

Inchmahome Priory - The name "Inchmahome" comes from Innis MoCholmaig, meaning Island of St Colmaig.The priory was founded in 1238 by the Earl of Menteith, Walter Comyn, for a small community of the Augustinian order (the Black Canons). The Comyn family were one of the most powerful in Scotland at the time, and had an imposing country house on Inch Talla, one of the other islands on the lake. There is some evidence that there was a church on the island before the priory was established.

Although most of the buildings are now ruins, much of the original 13th century structure remains, and it is now in the care of Historic Scotland, who maintain and preserve it as an important historic site. The priory can be visited by boat, operated by Historic Scotland from the nearby pier at Port of Menteith, from March to September. Very occasionally the Lake of Menteith freezes over allowing people to walk over and if the ice is thick enough a Bonspiel can take place.

Back in 1979  the Lake of Menteith hosted  the last "Bonspeil" (A Grand Match open air curling tournament). There was hope that this will be repeated in January 2010.  Boreholes were being regularly taken and the ice reached the 7 inches necessary for the match to take place. Unfortunatley, it was decided by the Royal Caledonian Curling Club on Friday 8th January the event could not take place.... It was then hoped that an 'Unofficial' Bonspiel would take place on Tuesday 12th January, unfortunately due to rain and a rise in the temperature this wasn't to be. As the winter is not yet over there is still time for a Bonspiel. Watch this space.

Here is a statement from the RCCC website on Friday January 8th: "It is with great disappointment that The Royal Caledonian Curling Club has made the decision not to hold the proposed Grand Match on the Lake of Mentieth. Following extensive discussions with a wide variety of interested parties including Central Scotland Police, The Fire and Rescue Service, the Scottish Ambulance Service, and Stirling Council it has not proved possible to address all health and safety concerns and receive the full backing of the Emergency Services within the timescales involved. Without achieving this it would be impossible to gain the necessary insurance to hold the event. Every possible effort has been made to facilitate this unique event but it has been acknowledged that public safety must remain the primary concern. All parties involved will continue to investigate options available to organise such an event at some point in the future, and insure that this iconic spectacle is made possible for the curlers and the public's safe enjoyment. The Royal Club would like to thank all interested parties for their endeavours to stage this match".