Lochnaht

Lochnaht is a freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands, situated in the rural interior of the Highland council area. The name Lochnaht is of uncertain origin, with possible Gaelic and Norse influences; historical forms have included Loch Naht and Loch na h-Aibhne.

Geography and hydrology: The loch covers about 6 square kilometers and has a maximum depth of around 70 meters. It is fed by three small streams from surrounding hills and drains to the River Calder via a short outlet on its northern shore.

Ecology: Lochnaht hosts brown trout, Atlantic salmon, and perch, with eels in some years. The shores support water birds such as whooper swans, grebes, and herons, and the surrounding forests provide habitat for red deer and other mammals.

History and culture: Archaeological finds around the shore indicate Bronze Age activity. In the 19th century, the loch supported small-scale fishing and seasonal boating; a micro-hydroelectric plant was established in the 1960s to supply nearby settlements.

Current status and use: Lochnaht is managed by the Highland Council in partnership with a local community trust. It is a popular site for angling, kayaking, and nature-watching, and is adjacent to a network of footpaths and a conservation area that protects rare bog habitats along the southern shore.