Australian wallabies were brought to the island in the 1940s by the Countess of Arran
A remote island on Loch Lomond has gained attention for its unusual residents, a colony of Australian wallabies that has lived there for more than 80 years.
Inchconnachan Island, located on the freshwater loch in west-central Scotland, is informally known as “Wallaby Island” due to its population of red-necked wallabies, Mirror reports.
The animals, native to Australia, were introduced to the island in the 1940s by Fiona Bryde Gore, Countess of Arran, who kept them on the privately owned land.
Inchconnachan, which translates to “The Colquhoun’s Island” in Gaelic, has been owned by the Colquhoun clan since the 14th century.
Its rugged terrain and thick woodland have created an unlikely but sustainable habitat for the wallabies, which have adapted surprisingly well to the Scottish climate.
Some reports claim the animals have even been spotted hopping across a frozen loch in the middle of severe winters.
The wallabies have survived by feeding on native plants such as oak, holly and birch. While no official count of the population exists, the species continues to inhabit the island largely undisturbed.
Access to Inchconnachan requires planning. Despite being located on one of Scotland’s most famous lochs and just 40 minutes from Glasgow, there are no public ferry services.
Visitors must bring or hire a kayak, canoe, boat or paddleboard, available from nearby villages such as Luss or Balmaha, to reach the island. Entry is free, and wild camping is permitted in line with Scotland’s outdoor access laws, provided the land is left as it was found.
The island remains a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities such as hiking, paddling and wildlife watching drawing visitors during the warmer months.
However, those exploring the area are advised to keep a respectful distance from the wallabies and not to approach or disturb them.
Inchconnachan has been privately owned for generations. In 2020, Scottish broadcaster and former Desert Island Discs host Kirsty Young and her husband Nick Jones, founder of Soho House, purchased the island from Clan Colquhoun. The couple later submitted a proposal to redevelop part of the site, including plans to construct a short-stay holiday lodge.
In January 2025, the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority approved the plans, which include demolishing a derelict 1920s timber bungalow, adding a new boathouse and jetty, and establishing a wet woodland area to support biodiversity.
A spokesperson for the authority stated the development would be managed in a way that “will have no implications for the wallabies on the island.”
Despite that assurance, the project has faced significant public opposition. A petition calling for the plans to be halted has attracted more than 100,000 signatures, raising concerns about potential harm to the island’s fragile ecosystem and wildlife.
The development remains under scrutiny from conservation groups and members of the public, with campaigners urging planners to protect the natural environment and the rare wallaby population.
