Tarbet
The Isthmus of land between Arrochar and Tarbet is known as Tarbet Glen and it holds many ghosts of troubles from the past, the battle of Tarbet Glen between the Norse and the MacFarlanes, fights between the Colquhouns and the MacFarlane were also common, they fought over land ownership, stronghold gates, making historical stories leap out of the past.
Ballyhennan Burial ground is the most visible monument to these troubled days. The two traditions as to the origin of this sacred ground are: - When Gilchrist of Arroquhar’s son Duncan was ruling these lands, during this time the Battle of Largs was fought in 1263. Before that battle King Haco sent an expedition, under one or two of his lieutenants, to ravage Loch Lomondside, and the Glen of Tarbet. A great fight took place between Duncan’s clansmen and the Norse. To bury the slain in this action the little graveyard at Ballyhennan was begun. The grave yard also contains many ancient Macfarlane stones which should tell a story when examined properly – many with the shield of the chief’s family sculptured on them. There are at least two old stones there adorned with what looks like ancient Celtic tracery.
The other tradition about the old graveyard – to the effect that it originated after an attack of plague in which many people died, and had to be buried at once.
Also, during the building of the West Highland Railway some 5,000 navies were employed at times working in atrocious weather and conditions. Of these men 37 were buried just outside the graveyard in unmarked graves. There is a certain amount of speculation as to why they were not buried within the cemetery grounds but no one is absolutely clear as to the correct reason.