Glenfinglas (Gael. gleann-fionn-glas, 'grey white valley'), a rocky glen in Callander parish, SW Perthshire, traversed by Turk rivulet, which, rising at an altitude of 2250 feet close to the Balquhidder border, runs 6 5/8 miles south-south-eastward, till, after a descent of 1980 feet, it falls into the Dubh Abhainn at Bridge of Turk, ¼ mile below the foot of Loch Achray and 6 ¾ miles W by S of Callander town. An ancient deer-forest of the Scottish kings, Glenfinglas retains vestiges of having once been clothed with wood; and it now belongs to the Earl of Moray. Its flanks include much savage alpine scenery, yet are largely relieved by wood and verdure; and much of its bottom is under cultivation. The Turk is fed, in its upper course, by tumultuous torrents; passes along the middle parts as a peaceful, meandering stream; but lower down suddenly plunges into a profound chasm, to run some distance underground, emerge next towards a gorge in the glen, and then make a long romantic waterfall. The hermit Brian performed, beneath this waterfall, the 'taghairm' that mysteriously foreshadowed the fate of Roderick Dhu; and an outlaw once lived in the recess behind the fall, receiving his provisions from a woman who lowered them from the crest of the overhanging precipice, and procuring water for himself by lowering a flagon into the pool below. The glen is also the scene of a wild and well-known tale that bears its name.—Ord. Sur., sh. 38, l871.
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