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The history of Loch Leven is rich and long. In 1335 Loch Leven castle was one of only 3 or 4 strongholds which had not fallen to the English. It was occupied by supporters of King David II (the son of Robert the Bruce) and was attacked by an army supported by the English monarch. The English force, aided by a number of Scottish Lairds (Lords) laid siege to the castle for nearly nine months without success. Frustrated, they attempted to flood out the occupants by blocking the Leven River and so increasing the water level of the loch. The plan backfired, however, when a group from the island broke down the dam during the night, the water surged out drowning many of the attackers who were camped on the river banks nearby.
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The
best known tale of the loch, though, is that of the tragic Mary Queen
of Scots. Mary Stuart was born in 1542 and within a week of her birth
her father, James V, died making her Queen of Scotland. Mary was brought
up in France and in 1558 she was married to the Dauphin, Francis of France,
who died two years later. Mary returned to Scotland and married Lord Darnley.
It was not a happy marriage, he murdered David Rizzio her secretary and
friend. A year later, he himself was murdered.