Loch Mealt
| Loch Mealt | |
|---|---|
| Location | Isle of Skye, Highlands, Scotland |
| Coordinates | 57°36′23″N 6°10′43″W / 57.60639°N 6.17861°W |
| Type | freshwater loch |
| Basin countries | United Kingdom |
| Surface elevation | 66 m |
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
- ^ "Kilt Rock, Staffin" ukclimbing.com. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
- ^ Where to find birds on Skye
- ^ Salvelinus inframundus - FishBase
- ^ IUCN Red List
External links
Media related to Loch Mealt at Wikimedia Commons- NG5065 : Dun Grianan, broch, Loch Mealt, Skye
