Loch Mealt

Loch Mealt

Loch Mealt with Beinn Edra in the background
Location Isle of Skye, Highlands, Scotland
Coordinates 57°36′23″N 6°10′43″W / 57.60639°N 6.17861°W / 57.60639; -6.17861Coordinates: 57°36′23″N 6°10′43″W / 57.60639°N 6.17861°W / 57.60639; -6.17861
Type freshwater loch
Basin countries United Kingdom
Surface elevation 66 m
Mealt waterfall with Kilt Rock behind

Loch Mealt is an inland fresh-water loch lying close to Ellishadder, south of Staffin, on the eastern side of the Trotternish peninsula in the Isle of Skye, in the Scottish Highlands.

Geography

This roughly square-shaped loch is about 1 km in length. It is located close to the sea and its eastern side comprises the spectacular 55 metres (180 ft) tall sea-cliffs of Kilt Rock, made of dolerite rock strata in many different colours.[1] Kilt Rock boasts a dramatic waterfall created from the outflow of Loch Mealt.

Ecology

There are a number of bird species in this roadside loch, including resident ones such as the greylag goose. Its waters are favored by diving ducks.[2]

The Orkney charr (Salvelinus inframundus), a char species that could be vulnerable to extinct, has been found in Loch Mealt.[3] Since the impact of Canadian Arctic char fish farming in the lake upon the native char population is unknown and the taxonomic identity of the char deemed as Salvelinus inframundus is lacking essential information, a full IUCN Red List assessment cannot be made.[4]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Kilt Rock, Staffin" ukclimbing.com. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  2. ↑ Where to find birds on Skye
  3. ↑ Salvelinus inframundus - FishBase
  4. ↑ IUCN Red List
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