List of waterfalls in Scotland facts for kids
Scotland is a beautiful country with lots of mountains. Its western parts, especially the Highlands, get a lot of rain. This rainy weather and the steep rivers create many amazing waterfalls! Scotland has over 150 waterfalls. Most of them are found in the Highlands because of the hilly landscape.
Names for Waterfalls
Waterfalls in Scotland have different names depending on where you are.
- In southern and eastern Scotland, you might hear the word linn. This word can mean the waterfall itself, or the deep pool of water at the bottom, or even a narrow part of a river. It can be a bit confusing!
- Another common word is spout. You'll find this word in both England and Scotland. In areas where people used to speak Gaelic, 'spout' is often called sput.
- The most common word for a waterfall in the Scottish Highlands is eas. Many place names in the Highlands come from the Gaelic language.
Scotland's Tallest Waterfalls
It can be tricky to say which waterfall is the "highest." Sometimes, people measure the tallest single drop of water. Other times, they add up the heights of several falls in a row. Because of this, you might hear different claims about the highest waterfall!
This table shows the waterfalls measured by their tallest single drop:
| Waterfall | Location | Height (metres) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eas a' Chual Aluinn | 200 |
| 2 | Steall Waterfall | 120 |
| 3 | Falls of Glomach | 113 |
Some Famous Waterfalls
Scotland has many beautiful waterfalls, each with its own unique charm. Here are a few examples of well-known waterfalls you might find:
- Falls of Clyde: These are a series of four waterfalls on the River Clyde near Lanark. They are famous for their beauty and history.
- Falls of Foyers: Located near Foyers on Loch Ness, these falls are known for their dramatic drop and the misty spray they create.
- Plodda Falls: Found near Tomich, this waterfall is impressive with its tall, single drop.
- Rogie Falls: These falls on the River Blackwater are a popular spot. You can often see salmon jumping up the falls here!
- Steall Waterfall: This is Scotland's second-highest waterfall. It's located in the stunning Glen Nevis and is a favorite for hikers.
