Linlithgow Loch facts for kids

The eastern end of the loch, from the south. On the top right is Cormorant Island.

Linlithgow Palace from Linlithgow Loch looking east

Linlithgow Loch is a beautiful freshwater lake in West Lothian, Scotland. It sits right next to the historic town of Linlithgow. This loch is about 1.3 kilometers (0.8 miles) long and 0.4 kilometers (0.25 miles) wide. Its total area is 41 hectares, making it the biggest natural freshwater loch in the Lothian area.

Even though it's large, Linlithgow Loch is quite shallow. Its average depth is 2.3 meters (7.5 feet), and its deepest point is 9.2 meters (30 feet). Several small streams, like the Hatchery Burn and Bonnytoun Burn, feed water into the loch. Water then flows out through the Mill Burn, which eventually joins the River Avon.

The town of Linlithgow gets its name from the loch! The old British words llyn laith cau mean "lake in the damp hollow." There are also two small islands in the loch, called Cormorant Island and the Rickle. Scientists believe these islands are actually the remains of ancient homes called crannogs, built about 5,000 years ago.

Fun on the Water

View of Cockleroy Hill, St Michael's Church, and Linlithgow Palace, from the north shore.

Linlithgow Loch used to be famous for its wild brown trout. Today, most people who fish here catch rainbow trout. These fish are regularly added to the loch by a group called the Forth Area Federation of Anglers. This helps keep the fishing exciting for everyone.

If you love water sports, the Low Port Centre is the place to go! This center, run by West Lothian Leisure, offers lots of activities. You can try sailing, canoeing, kayaking, or even windsurfing on the loch. It's a great spot to enjoy the water and the outdoors.

Protecting the Loch

Linlithgow Loch is a very important natural area. It is officially recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a special place because it's a good example of a lowland eutrophic loch. It also has many different types of water plants and plants that grow along the edges.

However, the loch faces some challenges. Water running off from nearby towns and farms can carry extra nutrients into the loch. This can cause a problem called eutrophication. When there are too many nutrients, it can lead to large growths of algae, known as Algal blooms. These algal blooms can harm the wildlife in the loch and make it less enjoyable for people to use for fun activities. Efforts are made to protect the loch and keep its waters healthy.