While going to a nudist island is not everyone’s cup of tea, thousands of people from around the UK flock to this nudist island on Loch Lomond, which is also closeby to the wild wallaby island. Naturists have reported a number of health benefits, such as a more positive body image of themselves and others, stress relief and a sense of acceptance.
The Scottish Outdoor Club has been around since 1938, and is located in the North East of Inchmurrin Island on Loch Lomond. The naturist club takes up a part of the island and is gated, with the rest of the island open to everyone else to visit.
Inchmurrin Island is actually the largest freshwater island in the UK, reaching modest heights of 89 metres. The spot was also home to a deer park of the Dukes of Montrose, as well as a 7th-century monastery with a chapel dedicated to Saint Mirin.
The Scottish Outdoor Club
The Scottish Outdoor Club is an inclusive, family-friendly community with members from all walks of life, encouraging radical acceptance, body positivity and personal empowerment. Naturists have reported mental, emotional and physical benefits, as well as enjoying the freedom of being naked.
The Scottish Club states on their website: “We know from our own personal experience the wonderful health-enhancing benefits of being outdoors, unclothed (weather permitting! ) – and even naked indoors. We share this enlivening experience with others who have also discovered the healing caress of a gentle breeze on the body, the sun’s welcoming warmth all over, the simple joy of seeing and being – Ourselves, as we are.”
However, naturism is still considered taboo in many cultures and circles, often associated with sexuality. Regarding this topic, the Scottish Outdoor Club comments: “Naturists are not asexual, but despite what people think, a gathering of naked people doesn’t make for a sexually charged environment. It is also significant that women who do try Naturism are often more passionate about it, and it appears that it changes their lives more deeply than their male counterparts.”
When it comes to the island’s safety, the Scottish Outdoor Club has entry requirements, as well as secure gates, where visitors can feel secure.
The clubhouse also boasts plenty of facilities, such as self-catering accommodation, a warming log fire, a wood-fired sauna, a mini tennis court, showers and a Big Hut for those rainy days.
How to visit the Scottish Outdoor Club?
Guests can visit the Scottish Outdoor Club on Inchmurrin Island between April and October, with a number of special events throughout the months, such as the Barbeque Weekend, Music Weekend and the Photography Weekend. The main rule of visiting is to bring towels to sit on, as there is no way of purchasing them on the island! Those visiting should also keep in mind that the Scottish Outdoor Club is only a small (and gated) part of the island, as the rest of Inchmurrin Island is outwith the club and its restaurant and beaches are open to everyone.
Visitors gather at The Oak Tree Inn early on the Friday evening and walk down to the boatyard for the ferry. The ferry then brings them back at 6:00pm on Sunday.
As this is a weekend getaway, guests can either rent indoor accommodation for £18 per person per night or camp outdoors for £15 per person per night. All visitors need to email the club to book at socinchmurrinsecretary@gmail.com.
Completely run and funded by its members, the club is open to new members, and guests are welcome to inquire about it after at least two visits.
Glasgow’s weekly naturist swim
Those not wanting to commit to a whole weekend can attend a weekly naturist swim at The Arlington Baths Club on Sundays from 6pm. The amenities include a 21m swimming pool, a Turkish suite, a steam room and saunas, a relaxation area with tea and coffee. You can find out more here.