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Ben Lomond from Above Luss: This lake has received its present name from Ben-Lomond, a mountain which towers on its eastern bank, 3210 feet above the level of its waters. The mountain derives its appellation from the British Llummon, signifying a beacon. It is only since the 14th century that the lake has received its present name. Anciently it was called LochLeven, as appears from the chartularies of Lennox and Paisley, in which the lake and the river are frequently mentioned. In 1225, Maldowen, Earl of Levenachs, grants to the Monastery of Paisley the right of fishing " per totam lacum meum de Levyn."—Chart. Paisley, No. 316. The river which issues from it now retains the name which was formerly common to it and the lake. This appellation is derived from the British Llevyn, signifying smooth, a quality for which both are eminently distinguished. Issuing from a reservoir so immense, the river is smooth and rapid in its flow, and is not subject to those sudden swells, which so often turn the mountain streams of the district into torrents. In ancient times, the district of Dumbartonshire was called Levenach, the field or country on the Leven. This was subsequently changed to Levenax, which again was easily corrupted into Lennox, an appellation the country still sometimes receives. Hence, the Earls of Lennox took their title; and such is the origin of a name which was long illustrious in Scottish history. Martin2001 Satisfaction Guaranteed Policy!
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