Interesting Facts About the Lochs of Scotland

If you're planning to embark on a Scottish cruise you're more than likely going to be travelling through some of the famous Scottish lochs on your itinerary. But just what is a loch, and how is it different to a lake? In fact, it is all a question of terminology.

In Scotland, the word loch is used to define a sizable definitive expanse of water. The word itself is derived from the Gaelic word 'Lochan', which means small lake or pool. The phonetics of the 'ch' at the end of the word loch make it quite hard to pronounce, and many people sound it out as a 'k', when in reality it should be pronounced as the German 'ch' sound, as in the word 'achtung'.

Introducing the Scottish Lochs

There are an estimated 31,000 lochs in Scotland, many of which are included on the itineraries of Scottish cruises. The only natural expanse of fresh water in Scotland that is actually called a lake is the Lake of Menteith. Some believe that it is only called a lake due to a clerical error, and that it should have been documented as a 'lairg' or 'plain'. (There are a couple of man-made lakes however.)

Fast Facts

Loch Lomond has one of the largest surface areas of all the lochs, whereas the one with the largest volume of water is Loch Ness. They are probably the most high profile and are extremely popular on the itineraries of Scottish cruise visitors.

The lochs of Douchfour, Ness, Lochy and Oich are linked by the famous Caledonian Canal.

The deepest loch in the country is Loch Morar, which at its deepest point is 328m, while Loch Fyne is the longest and is world famous for its seafood.

In the 15th century, the Nor’ Loch was created to increase Edinburgh’s defence capacity, although it was emptied in the 18th century due to it having become a risk to public health.

In WWII, a German U-boat reportedly landed on the Loch Eriboll shores and the crew sat and ate a picnic there.

Loch Leven is 11 miles round, is home to 11 islands and there are 11 streams that flow into it. It is, in fact, the loch of 11s!

The legend of the Loch Ness Monster has been a real boost to the Scottish economy. For years, tourists, either on a Scottish cruise or travelling over land, have descended on the loch to try and catch a glimpse of the monster. In 1941, an Italian newspaper printed a story claiming that the German bombing raids had killed the Loch Ness Monster.

One of the islet castles of Loch Leven was home to Mary Queen of Scots when she was held prisoner. History tells that she attempted an escape by disguising herself as a laundress. A fisherman blew her cover when he noticed her hands looked too pristine to be those of a washerwoman.

There is plenty more to learn about the lochs of Scotland, and there is always more to them than meets the eye!

Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways. We can provide you with a luxury, all-inclusive Scottish cruise to enjoy the sights of the most picturesque waterways. Wonderful barge cruises are also offered in France, Holland, and Italy.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.