FROM LOCH TO HARBOR
SATURDAY MAY 31, 2025
loch lomond and trossachs national park
A popular day trip or weekend destination from both Glasgow and Edinburgh, Loch Lomond is a freshwater lake (loch) that was carved out by glaciers during the last ice age. At over 22 miles long and between .5 and 5 miles wide, it is the largest inland stretch of water in Britain. It takes its name from Ben Lomond, a mountain on the east side of the loch.
There are 21 “Munros” (mountains towering over 3,000 feet) to be found within the National Park known as The Trossachs. As one of only two such designated parks in Scotland, The Trossachs — which boasts as well more than 20 other sizable lochs — lies just an hour’s drive from the urban areas housing more than half of Scotland’s total population.
loch lomond brewery
Not far outside of Glasgow but firmly in the foothills of the Highlands sits the Loch Lomond Brewery. Here Euan and Fiona MacEachern welcome us into the award-winning brewhouse that has within a decade produced a CAMRA Champion Beer of Scotland as well as a SIBA Supreme Cask Champion Ale of the UK.
After a generous sampling of ales and lagers in the brewery taproom, we’ll also be treated to a sneak peek and maybe even a sneak sip of their new project, West Highland Distillery, which offers a single malt gin produced completely in house from Scottish malted barley. Excitingly, whisky distillation is in the works as well, with the first distillation said to be slated for 2024.
campervan brewery
The inspiration for this brewery can indeed be traced back to a 1973 VW campervan. Prior to going professional, Paul Gibson would rough-brew on camping trips, carrying the wort home later to ferment in his garage. Production technology has been seriously ramped up since he opened his facility in Edinburgh, but Paul’s infectious enthusiasm, both for brewing and for small German-made recreational vehicles, remains high.
newbarns brewery
In 2019 four friends with impressive British brewing pedigrees (The Kernel, Siren, Beavertown, and Pellicle Magazine) founded this brewery in Edinburgh’s port neighborhood of Leith. Despite being launched at the height of the pandemic, Newbarns Brewery has quickly made a name for itself, thanks in part to its philosophy of brewing high-quality beers that are equally accessible to both craft beer and Tennent’s drinkers.
leith
Edinburgh’s historic port neighborhood Leith has served as the gateway to the city for centuries. It takes its name from the Water of Leith, a river that runs through the center of Edinburgh and through the port area, where it then flows into the Firth of Forth and out into the North Sea.
Leith’s original harbor dates to the 14th century, and by the 18th it became Scotland’s main trading port. In this century Leith is arguably the trendiest neighborhood in Edinburgh in which to live and work, and it’s also a popular tourist area, thanks to its scenic waterfront, boutique shops, edgy restaurants and of course new distilleries and breweries.
edinburgh's old town
Edinburgh is justifiably famous for its noble architectural sites. Castle Rock — an extinct volcano which has been occupied since the iron age — is where Edinburgh Castle sits today, dominating the skyline. Nearby is Greyfriar’s, a notable 16th century church and graveyard. The famed Royal Mile leads to the Palace of Holyrood House and the ruins of Holyrood Abbey; along this well-worn path one passes St. Giles Cathedral, the University of Edinburgh, and Parliament. Handy souvenir and whisky shops abound along the routes.
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