Longest Lochs in Scotland: Here are the 10 longest Scottish lochs - from Loch Awe to Loch Morar
It’s estimated that there are over 30,000 lochs in Scotland – from vast bodies of water to tiny lochans.
Their evocative names are known around the world, whether it’s the monster residing in Loch Ness or the famous oysters of Loch Fyne.
From attracting tourists in their droves, to providing a place to enjoy a range of recreational activities for generations of Scots, the country’s lochs are a key part of its magical geography.
Here are the 10 longest in Scotland.
From attracting tourists in their droves, to providing a place to enjoy a range of recreational activities for generations of Scots, the country’s lochs are a key part of its magical geography.
5. Loch Shin
The largest loch in Sutherland, in the North West Highlands, Loch Shin has a length of 27.8 kilometres. In the 1950s the construction of a dam as part of a hydro-electric scheme raised the level of the loch by around nine metres. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Loch Tay
Spanning both the Perth and Kinross Council and the Stirling Council areas, Loch Tay stretches out to 23 kilometres. Archaeologists have found evidence of people living on the banks of the loch dating back to the 8th and 7th millennia BC. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Loch Ericht
Loch Ericht, to the far south of the Highlands, is 23 kilometres long. The loch is dammed at both ends as part of a hydro-electric scheme. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Loch Maree
A length of 20 kilometres puts Loch Maree, in Wester Ross, into eighth place. The largest island on the loch, Eilean Sùbhainn, contains a loch that itself contains an island - the only example of this geographical phenomenon in the UK. Photo: Canva/Getty Images