Take a journey to the stunning highland glen of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, and you’ll find the historic Ledard Farm. Ledard means ‘high farm’ in Gaelic, and true to its name, Ledard Farm sits on a lush hill along the tranquil shores of Loch Ard. It’s bordered by the magical 20,000-acre forest of the Trossachs, the first designated national park in Scotland. But that’s not the only intriguing slice of history about Ledard Farm. This traditional Scottish farmhouse has seen everything from the coming of age of Scottish outlaw Rob Roy, to the creative talent of Sir Walter Scott who wrote a novel here. From battling clans to Jacobite highland weapons, here are five historical facts about Ledard Farm.
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1. Ledard Farm dates back to the Middle Ages
The history of this Scottish farmhouse dates all the way back to the 15th century. Ledard Farm was first mentioned in 1474 in the Minute of the Privy Council. Since then, the ancient farm has documented connections with many famous figures including Scottish outlaw Rob Roy, Clan Gregor, the Jacobites, novelist Sir Walter Scott, and more. When you visit Ledard Farm, the Wood family will take you on a journey through the Scottish farmhouse’s history, sharing thrilling stories of this historic farm.
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2. Rob Roy came of age at Ledard Farm
A soldier, cattle-rustler, businessman, outlaw, and later a folk hero, Rob Roy MacGregor is an iconic Scottish figure… And he came of age at Ledard Farm!
Rob Roy was born in 1671 at Glengyle in the Trossachs and was the third son of clan chief Donald Glas MacGregor of Glengyle. The MacGregors, including Rob Roy and his father, supported the Jacobite uprising led by Viscount Dundee in July 1689. They fought in the bloody Battle of Killiecrankie, won by the Jacobites.
A few months later, Rob Roy came of age at the Feast of the Hairst Kirn in October 1689 in the MacGregor’s Barn. You can enjoy your very own feast in the same barn at Ledard Farm, filled with delicious Scottish food, traditional ceilidh music and dancing, and exciting storytelling.
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3. Sir Walter Scott stayed on the farm
When you visit Ledard Farm, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of the iconic Scottish novelist, poet, and playwright, Sir Walter Scott. He wrote his famous novel, “Rob Roy” while staying at the Scottish farmhouse, and it was published in 1817.
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4. You can still see Jacobite weapons at Ledard Farm
The Jacobite Clans stayed at Ledard Farm around the time of the Jacobite Uprising and the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689. They were victorious in battle and today you can see the highland weaponry used to win the battle, including the Lochaber Axe, the Doune pistol, the Broadsword, the Claymore, and the Dirk. You’ll also get to hear all the stories from the Battle of Killiecrankie at which an 18-year-old Rob Roy fought, all while sipping on a wee dram of whiskey.
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5. The Wood family have lived on the farm for over four decades
Three generations of the Wood family live and work on the historical working Ledard Farm. They bought the 300-acre farm in 1980 and have run it as a hill sheep unit for over 40 years. Along with diving into the incredible history of Ledard, you’ll also get to tour the farm and meet the animals. See sheepdog demonstrations and go clay pigeon shooting. Play Highland games or try archery, fishing, or canoeing across the peaceful waters of Loch Ard. As the farm is set within the beautiful Trossachs National Park, you can take guided walks along the scenic trails. You can also get involved in Scottish traditions, poetry, music and dancing, and indulge in delicious feasts with local food.
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You’ll get to meet the Wood family, including the famous father and son duo, Fergus and Gregor. Fergus is the founder and player in The Kinlochard Ceilidh Band, one of the world’s most renowned ceilidh dance bands. Gregor is an expert on Rob Roy and one of the top presenters of Burns poetry in the country. He also shares his father’s passion for music, and you can enjoy performances with Gregor playing the bagpipes and Fergus playing guitar and harmonica. His wife Francesca even accompanies them with her beautiful singing voice. The whole family have a great passion for Ledard Farm and sharing the stories of this historic Scottish farmhouse.
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Have you visited Ledard Farm or any other historic Scottish farmhouse? Let us know in the comments below!