Loch Mealt

Loch Mealt is an inland fresh-water loch on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. It lies close to Ellishadder and south of Staffin, on the eastern side of the Trotternish peninsula.

Loch Mealt
Loch Mealt with Beinn Edra in the background
LocationIsle of Skye, Highlands, Scotland
Coordinates57°36′23″N 6°10′43″W
Typefreshwater loch
Basin countriesUnited Kingdom
Surface elevation66 m (217 ft)
Mealt waterfall with Kilt Rock behind

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 favoured by diving ducks.[2]

The Orkney charr (Salvelinus inframundus), a char species that could be vulnerable to extinction, 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
  • List of lochs in Scotland

References
  1. "Kilt Rock, Staffin" ukclimbing.com. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  2. "Birding locations on the Isle of Skye". skye-birds.com. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  3. "Salvelinus inframundus". fishbase.org. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  4. "IUCN Red List of Threatened Species". iucnredlist.org. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
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