Welcome to Island I Vow!

This site is intended to provide additional information about Elanvow (Island I Vow) to complement the interpretive sign erected on the island. The QR code in the lower right of the sign will link visitors to this site.

We hope you find the sign and supporting information useful and that it inspires all to appreciate and protect this historical site. Island I Vow, including the island and all structures on it, is protected as Scheduled Ancient Monument 11073.

Special Thanks to the team that helped make this sign and information possible!

CLICK to see Acknowledgements

How did the island get its name?
Malicious Water Sprites?

The earliest writing of the island’s name can still be seen in an existing charter dated 1395 at the Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow. There it is written “Elanvow”. Dr. Eila Williamson of the University of Glasgow has confirmed that transcription. Walter Macfarlane, 20th chief of the Clan MacFarlane, wrote that an earlier charter, dated circa 1215, also referred to Elanvow. The name “Macfarlane” (“MacParlane”) did not exist until after 1263 so this island was called Elanvow even before the name Macfarlane first existed!

Elan, Ellan, Eilean are all variants of Gaelic words for “island”. The island has generally been called Island Vow in many different ways.

There are several interpretations suggesting that Vow may come from Gaelic or even Norse (Viking) roots. In Gaelic, “bh” is pronounced as “v” and there are several Gaelic words that may be the basis for Vow. In about 1590, Timothy Pont made maps of the area and wrote “yl: na Vow” where “yl:” is interpreted as eilean or island and, again, “Vow” appears literally.

Dr. Simon Taylor of the University of Glasgow in “PLACE-NAMES OF THE PARISH OF ARROCHAR”, p11, suggests that Vow may likely come from the same roots as “bode” or “foreboding” and the Gaelic/ancient root of the name is likely Eilean a’ Bhogha. Bhogha refers here to the swell of water warning of a sunken rock. a malicious water sprite, or other nautical hazard and there are similar references to “Vows” elsewhere. Recent research discovered that there is, in fact, a large rock just feet below the loch surface to the south of Island I Vow AND the island was used in nautical charts to warn sailors to navigate around it! Dr. Jacob King of Ainmean-Àite na h-Alba also reviewed and supported the position that Bhogha was the likely root of Vow in the island’s older name. See this site for more.

Expand the sections below for some additional notes.

No Cows involved!

Many Variations Over Time

Write it like it sounds!

Even Sir Walter Scott wrote of Island I Vow

Macfarlane Arms

Where’s the dungeon?

Wordsworth and The Hermit