Lake of Menteith
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The Lake of Menteith (Scottish Gaelic "Loch Innis MoCholmaig"), or, until the 20th century, the Loch of Menteith, is often thought of as the only body of water in Scotland that is referred to as a lake. Actually, there are two other small artificial bodies of water known as lakes: Pressmennan Lake and the Lake of the Hirsel. All other major bodies of water in Scotland are known as lochs. This unusual name is believed to be a corruption of the Lowland Scots Laich o Menteith, where "laich" simply means "low place". The lake is located on the Flanders Moss, the flood plain of the upper reaches of the rivers Forth and Teith, upstream of Stirling.
The are a number of small islands in the lake. On the largest, Inchmahome, is Inchmahome Priory, an ancient monastery. The priory served as refuge to Mary Queen of Scots in 1547. She was only four years old at the time and stayed for three weeks after the disastrous Battle of Pinkie Cleugh in September of that year.
The lake is not particularly deep and can freeze over completely in exceptionally cold winters. If the ice becomes thick enough (10 inches) an outdoor curling tournament called The Bonspiel or the Grand Match is held on the lake. The event can attract thousands of curlers despite its rarity. The last Grand Match was held in 1979.
