The Scottish loch named "Lake of Menteith", at Port of Menteith near Aberfoyle, frozen over. It was hoped to have a curling Bonspiel "Grand Match", as this is the first time since 1979 that the ice has been thick enough to safely hold the thousands of people attending. The lake is relatively shallow compared to most Scottish lochs so freezes over quicker. However modern "health and safety" issues meant the match being cancelled. Not a problem in 1979!
However over the weekend thousands of people were out on the frozen lake anyway, and curling, skating, ice hockey, skiing, etc, were enjoyed. At the time I took this, heavy snow had temporarily stopped most of the curling, but there were many curlers there enjoying the "roaring game" on the ice.
Able to walk out to the island of Inchmahome with it`s ruined 13th century Priory, and the neighbouring small island of Inch Talla with ruins of the 17th century Talla Castle on it.
The Lake last froze over in 2001, but not as thickly then.
A winter wonderland and a fantastic sight!
9th January 2010.