The Lochs of Scotland

It is estimated that there are over 31,000 fresh water lochs in Scotland. In the Western Islands alone, there are over 7,500 lochs.

The word LOCH is a Scottish Gaelic word which means lake or fiord. In Irish Gaelic the word is LOCH which was Anglised to lough.

There is only 1 lake in Scotland, and that is the Lake of Menteith, near Aberfoyle. This lake is also the location of a Curling competition on the lake when the lake can freeze hard enough for people to walk on. In the middle of the lake is a small island, Inchmahome, where there are the ruins of an Augustinian Priory, where a young Mary Queen of Scots once spent a night.

I have a memory of bitter winter when I managed to walk some distnac eover the thick ice towards the Island.

A number of the Scottish Lochs are well known, while others are known only to a few.

Loch Ness is perhaps the most famous because of Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster.

Loch Lomond is also popular with tourists and Scots alike. The well known song, "By Yon Bonny Banks...." is perhaps one reason. Another is the beautiful little village of Luss at the edge of the loch.

Loch Ness at 39 miles long is the longest loch in Scotland. It also contains twice the volume of water of all the lakes in England and Wales put together.

Loch Lomond, at 36 miles long is the second longest. The A82 road along the side of the loch is the main west coast road northwards towards Oban and Fort William and the road to the Western Islands of Scotland. In Glasgow, this road is known as "Great Western Road."

Loch Katrine is the source of the water supply for the city of Glasgow, about 25 miles south.

It is a popular visitor attraction, and a steamship, the SS Sir Walter Scott carries visitors on a sail along the length of the Loch.
The famous, (or infamous if you prefer) Rob Roy McGregor was born near here.

The photos are of the beautiful Loch Lomond from side of the A82 road.